What is the difference in separation of powers and checks and balances?

separation of powers and checks and balances both refer to each branch having their own powers. they are actually different terms for the exact same thing.

separation of powers refers to the separate powers of congress and the senate, while checks and balances refers to enumerated powers that check the power of each branch.

separation of powers refers to the national, state, and local governments having their own powers, while checks and balances refers to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches having their own powers.

separation of powers refers to each branch of government having their own distinct powers, while checks and balances refers to the ability of each branch to prevent another branch from becoming too powerful.

whose laws are always superior according to the "supremacy clause"?

state government

local government

national government

none of these; all levels of government are equal

Answer for your first question:

For your second question:

Read more on -

[Proper form on is to ask just one question per post.]

Explanation in regard to your first question:

The "separation of powers" principle was an idea embedded into the plans for American government by our founding fathers, based on their reading of Enlightenment political theory.  The terminology "separation of powers" was introduced by Charles-Louis de Secondat, the Baron of Montesquieu.  (Usually he's referred to as just "Montesquieu.")  He wrote an important work of political theory called The Spirit of the Laws, published in 1748.

Within his treatment of how governments will function best, Montesquieu argued that executive, legislative, and judicial functions of government ought to be divided between parts of the government, so that no one person or division of the government can infringe on the overall rights of others in the government or of the members of the society overall.  The framers of the United States Constitution embedded the separation of powers into the plan for US government.

As noted by The History Channel, "In addition to this separation of powers, the framers built a system of checks and balances designed to guard against tyranny by ensuring that no branch would grab too much power."  Some examples of the checks and balances used would be:

we will reach the goal of freedom in birmingham and all over the nation,

answer; i believe that the correct answer is (chronological order);