Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 1--Separation of Powers)
In this episode, Dr. Andrew Rudalevige discusses the concept of separation of powers in American government. Through a study of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Federalist papers, students learn how the separation of powers became a key principle in the shaping of American government and politics. Part of the "Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action" series.
Media Details
Runtime: 13 minutes
- Topic: History, Social Science
- Subtopic: Government, Law, U.S. History (General)
- Grade/Interest Level: 10 - 12
- Standards:
- Release Year: 2015
- Producer/Distributor: PBS Learning Media
- Series: Founding Principles: American Governance in Action
- Report a Problem
Available Resources
Related Media
![Visualization of the U, S branches of government. Green arrows lead from Legislative to Executive and Judicial. A red arrow leads from the Judicial to Executive. Background is a collage of government terms like, Checks and Balances, and Gridlock.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11524_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 1--Separation of Powers)
![Color illustration of a multi-story factory with 3 smokestacks. Text overlay reads, "Refined 98% of sugar sold in U, S." The name E, C Knight is visible at the bottom right corner.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11525_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 2--Federalism)
![Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera with a confused expression on his face. Next to him, a text box reads, "Certiorari. Noun. A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court."](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11526_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 5--The Judiciary)
![Simple icon of the capitol building next to text that reads, "Testing food, drugs, and other consumer products." The background is a transparent image of a scientist doing lab tests.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11527_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 12--Policy Implementation)
![Closeup of parchment with cursive writing just barely visible in the top right corner.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11528_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 3--Congress)
![Dr. Andrew Rudalevige stands in front of a black and white photo backdrop of F, D, R doing a fireside chat and a portrait photo John F. Kennedy that has been placed at the bottom of the frame.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11529_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 4--The Presidency)
![Dr. Andrew Rudalevige stands in front of camera, gesturing out with both hands. Behind him, a black and white collage of a baby crying and another baby looking just off camera.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11530_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 6--Public Opinion)
![Mind map chart shows a central circle, labeled Media's Effects, branching off in 3 directions to 3 circles labeled Framing, Agenda Setting, and Priming.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11531_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 7--The Media)
![Portrait photos of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney with text on image that reads, "129 million 237 thousand 647 people voted in 2012 U, S Presidential Election."](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11532_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 8--The Electoral Process)
![Dr. Andrew Rudalevige faces camera with a video frame next to him in the shape of a T, V set. The image on the T, V shows several teenagers wearing white blindfolds.](https://org-dcmp-staticassets.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/posterimages/11533_1.jpg)
Founding Principles: American Governance in Theory and Action (Chapter 9--Electoral Behavior and Voter Turnout)