Anything Under the Sun
Checks and balances
As we said before, under the presidential form of government, the general rule is that the three departments of government--legislative, executive and judicial, cannot interfere in the function of each other because of the theory of separation of powers.
However, there is an exception which is called the theory of checks and balances. This is designed to prevent the abuse of one department of its powers.
For instance, if Congress abuse its powers by passing an objectional law, the President may veto the law. If the President abuses this veto power, Congress may override it by a two-thirds vote. If the President connives with Congress in passing that law, the Supreme Court can declare it unconstitutional and hence, not enforceable.
Second instance, if the President abuses his powers by committing objectionable acts, Congress may impeach him or the Supreme Court may declare his acts unconstitutional.
Lastly, if the courts abuse its powers, Congress may impeach the erring judge or run hit the budget of the judiciary. Or, the President may refuse to enforce its judgments. In case of harsh judgments, the President may pardon or parole the convict or reduce his punishment.
Moreover, even in Congress itself there is checks and balances--one house may disapprove any bill passed by the other.
In a broader sense, the people may even exercise checks and balances by way of initiative, referendum or recall of elected officials.
Again, this theory of checks and balances is designed to maintain the co-equality of the three departments of government and their abuse of power and hence, to preserve democracy.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The first set of five booklets (Booklet 1 to 5) of West Visayas Beautiful and Wonderful, authored by this writer is now available for P500 at his office address at No. 4 Sta. Ana St., Molo, Iloilo City 5000. We are starting the Second set (Books 6 to 10) this January.