4.6 Separation of Powers

This section and the next build on what you just read. The state constitution divides political power among these three branches, a concept known as the separation of powers.

• Legislative Branch – The Ohio General Assembly, comprising the state House of Representatives and state Senate, wields the “power of the purse,” which means they control the budget process. Practically, this makes the General Assembly highly influential as it allocates funding based on legislative priorities. The General Assembly also creates state laws covering areas such as education, transportation, health, and public safety. For example, it passes laws that determine school funding, establish state tax rates, and regulate healthcare policies.

• Executive Branch – Headed by the governor, this branch implements and enforces state laws. The governor also oversees state agencies and appoints heads of departments such as education, transportation, and health. The governor can issue executive orders in response to emergencies such as natural disasters or public health crises.

• Judicial Branch – The Judicial Branch interprets state laws and ensures justice is served, playing a vital role in upholding the rule of law. This is important for maintaining fairness, protecting individual rights, and ensuring that laws are applied consistently. State courts handle civil and criminal cases, as well as appeals from lower courts. The state supreme court, for example, can rule on the constitutionality of state laws, ensuring that legislative actions comply with the state constitution.