Separation of powers is a political doctrine under which the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government are kept distinct, to prevent abuse of power.
The doctrine traces back to ancient Greece and was further developed by English and French philosophers. In the United States Constitution, the phrase separation of powers never appears, but is clearly implied by the structure of the Constitution. Therein, "all legislative Powers" are "vested in a Congress of the United States", "the executive Power" is "vested in the President of the United States, and "the judicial Power" is "vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish". Each branch has powers that restrain the other branches in a system of checks and balances that are designed to prevent the concentration and abuse of power.
Doesn't the separation of powers also apply to the People? Don't they also have certain powers which, although passive, prevent them from being screwed by their government?
In my opinion, you catch a crook wherever you find him. A Congressman's job may be ‘above the law' but certainly the Congressman himself should not be - nor should the President for that matter.
Granted, this administration has been allowed by the Congress to break many laws. But now, it is pushed out of shape because all of a sudden it affects them! Well, in my opinion, their laments and wailing are music to my ears! If they can't police themselves, then someone should! ...AG]
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Attorney General prepared to quit over Jefferson probe: NYT
Sat May 27
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and FBI director Robert S. Mueller III said this week that they were prepared to quit if the White House directed them to relinquish evidence seized in a disputed search of a House member's office, The New York Times reported on Saturday.
Citing government officials, the Times reported that Gonzalez was joined in raising the possibility of resignation by the deputy attorney general, Paul McNulty, who told associates that they had an obligation to protect evidence in a criminal case and would not be willing to follow a White House order to return the material to Congress. McNulty, the newspaper said, was instrumental in the resignation threats.
Bush on Thursday ordered the evidence sealed for 45 days to give Congress and Justice a chance to work out a deal, averting a showdown.
The FBI seized evidence last Saturday from the office of Rep. William Jefferson, a Louisiana Democrat. House leaders objected, saying they had violated the Constitution, and demanded that Justice return the evidence.
Former associates have said Jefferson accepted more than $400,000 in bribes to help them sell telecommunications technology to Nigeria and other West African countries.
Two of those associates have pleaded guilty to bribery charges, and the FBI disclosed on Sunday it has videotaped Jefferson accepting bribe money and has found $90,000 in cash in his freezer.
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