What might happen if one of the organs — Legislature, Executive, Judiciary — had all the power? How could it affect the rights of people?
If any one organ had all the power, it would lead to authoritarianism and the breakdown of democracy.
If the Legislature had all power, it could pass arbitrary laws without any check, potentially violating citizens' fundamental rights.
If the Executive had all power, it could implement policies without accountability, potentially becoming dictatorial and suppressing dissent.
If the Judiciary had all power, it could interfere in policy matters beyond its role of interpretation, upsetting the democratic balance.
In all cases, citizens' rights would be at risk because there would be no mechanism to prevent abuse of power.
The system of checks and balances ensures that each organ limits the others, protecting citizens from potential tyranny.
For example, the Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional laws, the Legislature can question Executive actions, and the Executive implements laws but cannot make them unilaterally.
Explanation
The chapter states that the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary ensures that no one organ becomes too powerful. The Judiciary acts as the custodian of the Constitution, ensuring that all branches operate within Constitutional principles. The Legislature questions the actions of the Executive through mechanisms like the Question Hour.
Solution Steps
Concentration of power in one organ leads to authoritarianism and breakdown of democracy
Legislature with all power could pass arbitrary laws violating fundamental rights
Executive with all power could become dictatorial and suppress dissent without accountability
Judiciary with all power could interfere in policy matters, upsetting democratic balance
Citizens' rights would be at risk without mechanisms to prevent abuse of power
Checks and balances ensure each organ limits the others, protecting against tyranny
Examples: Judiciary strikes down unconstitutional laws, Legislature questions Executive actions, Executive implements but cannot unilaterally make laws