Oklahoma Constitution Article IV: DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS
Oklahoma Constitution – Article IV: Distribution of Powers – Summary
Purpose:
Article IV of the Oklahoma Constitution establishes the separation of powers among the three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. It is designed to prevent any one branch from overstepping its authority and to ensure a balanced system of governance.
Key Provisions:
Three Distinct Departments:
The powers of the government are divided into three separate branches:
Legislative (makes laws)
Executive (enforces laws)
Judicial (interprets laws)
Prohibition on Overlapping Powers:
No person or group belonging to one department can exercise powers that properly belong to another.
This clause enforces the doctrine of separation of powers, aiming to maintain independence between the branches.
Interpretation:
This article serves as a foundational principle of constitutional governance in Oklahoma. It mirrors the structure found in the U.S. Constitution and is a safeguard against concentration of power. It ensures that each branch functions within its own sphere of authority and acts as a check on the others.
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