The Underlying Consequence of Separation of Power

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In Donald Robinson’s, Slavery in the Structure of the American Revolution, he eloquently articulates the original purpose of separation of power in the United States of America: to protect private interests and freedom. Considering that separation of power is viewed as a means to prevent a unitary and centralized government, the issue of slavery influenced the adoption of separation of power. While equality is a quintessential reflection of America, the power of states’ rights prevents states from being consistent with American values. In this paper, I will examine the principle concept of separation of power in the context of ensuring private interests, in particular, the institution of slavery and segregation. I will argue how decentralized political power fundamentally prevents unity within a nation because of its intent to protect the private interests in the United States of America. The concept and principle of separation of power was effectively used by proponents of slavery due to their claim that slavery was a private issue. Hannah Arendt discussed the issue of private interests where individuals are able to pursue their interests without having to relegate themselves to the Federal government. The embodiment of slavery, while immoral and unethical, was a source of revenue for southern states to supply their economy with free labor. Federalism—defined as a relationship between the federal, state, and local government where the power of the national government was strengthened due to citizens’ discontent of the Articles of Confederation. Combined federalism with the separation of power, it created immense disempowering consequences for African-Americans in their struggle for equality. The intention of the separation of... ... middle of paper ... ...e Founding Fathers because their former relations with the monarch of Britain, which essentially influenced the principle of separation of power. Presently, disregarding the right of a human life by subjecting them to a lifetime of forced servitude is undoubtedly unethical and illegal; however, the mere exception in the past regarding the issue of slavery influenced the separation of power to support slaves. The limited powers of the federal government allowed for states to have exerting authority over their respective constituencies. Consequently, because of the separation of powers between governments in the United States, it evidently provided justification for southern states to advocate for the slavery. As a mechanism devised to protect slavery in the South, the separation of power in the United States proved to be detrimental to the nation and its residents.

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