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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 …show more content…

In retrospect, the monarch of Britain had authorial powers to singlehandedly control a nation. Because of the reasonable fear that the president of the United States could evolve into monarchical rule overtime, it contributed to arguments against federalism. During the American Civil War, Southerners argued the central disputes were over the issue of slavery and states’ rights. During the 1850s, Southerners offered arguments stating that banning slavery in territories was discriminatory to states that allowed slavery. Due to the separation of power that ultimately limited the power of the federal government, Robinson argues that a decentralized national government would less likely act against slavery. Contemporary conservatives attributed their arguments against the constitutional limitations of the national government to protect states’ rights. In reality, the motivational factor that encouraged contemporary conservatives to support separation of power was related to racial subjugations (Hendrickson, 1). In this particular respect, contemporary conservatives understood the importance of limiting the power of the national government, as well as increasing the power of states’ rights. Essentially, the widespread support among contemporary conservatives were motivated by disallowing the national government to force racial integration within public areas such as schools, restaurants, bathrooms,

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