4.6 Separation of Powers

Like the U.S. Constitution, the Ohio Constitution divides political power into three branches of government. This system is called the separation of powers. You may remember this idea from Chapter 2. Each branch has its own responsibilities, and together they help keep government balanced.

The Legislative Branch – Making the Laws

The legislative branch makes the laws. In Ohio, this branch is called the General Assembly. It is a bicameral legislature, which means it has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Because the General Assembly decides how money is raised and spent, it is very influential.

The Executive Branch – Carrying Out the Laws

The executive branch is led by the governor. This branch enforces state laws and manages the day-to-day work of government. The governor oversees state agencies and appoints leaders of major departments such as education, transportation, and health.

One important power of the governor is the ability to issue executive orders, which are official directives issued by the governor that manages the operations of state government. Executive orders may be used during emergencies to mobilize resources, coordinate state agencies, or set temporary rules for public safety. They also can be used to reorganize agencies or give instructions on how laws should be carried out. However, they cannot create new laws or spend money that has not been approved by the legislature.

In addition to the governor, Ohio voters also elect other executive officials. These include the attorney general, the secretary of state, the auditor, and the treasurer. Each of these officers has specific duties that you will learn about later in this textbook.

The Judicial Branch – Interpreting the Laws

The judicial branch is made up of the courts. Judges interpret laws and make sure they are applied fairly. Ohio courts hear both civil and criminal cases and also review appeals from lower courts. The Ohio Supreme Court can decide whether a state law follows the state constitution. Ideally, this helps protect individual rights and ensures that the legislature and governor stay within their constitutional limits.