separation of powers
Loading your saved state.
separation of powers
The political principle of dividing state power into three independent branches: the legislative branch (law-making power), the executive branch (implementing power), and the judiciary (judicial power), in order to prevent abuse of power.
Die Gewaltenteilung ist ein fundamentales Merkmal eines demokratischen Rechtsstaates.
The separation of powers is a fundamental feature of a democratic state under the rule of law.
The word is made up of 'Gewalt' (in the plural 'Gewalten'), the linking '-en', and 'Teilung' (division). 'Teilung' comes from the verb 'teilen' (to divide/share). So it literally means the 'division of powers'.
Die Teilung der Staatsgewalt ist ein komplexes System.
The division of state power is a complex system.
In this political context, 'Gewalt' does not mean 'violence', but rather 'Macht' (power) or 'Autorität' (authority), in the sense of state power. This is important for understanding the term correctly.
Die Staatsgewalt wird in drei Bereiche aufgeteilt.
State power is divided into three areas.
'Gewaltenteilung' (separation of powers) is a central technical term from politics and law. It is mainly used in discussions about the state, democracy, and constitutions.
Im Politikunterricht haben wir über die Gewaltenteilung in Deutschland gesprochen.
In politics class, we talked about the separation of powers in Germany.
federalism
'die Gewaltenteilung' and 'der Föderalismus' both belong to politics and describe how power is distributed in a state. But they do not mean the same thing. In the separation of powers, state power is divided into different areas of responsibility, for example lawmaking, government, and the courts. In federalism, power is divided between the overall state and individual constituent states, for example federal states. The words can be confused because both limit and distribute power. Remember: 'Gewaltenteilung' separates responsibilities, while 'Föderalismus' separates levels within the state.
In der Schule erklärt die Lehrerin, warum die Gewaltenteilung Machtmissbrauch verhindern soll.
At school, the teacher explains why the separation of powers is meant to prevent abuses of power.
Durch den Föderalismus dürfen die Bundesländer viele Fragen selbst regeln.
Because of federalism, the federal states are allowed to regulate many issues themselves.