The division of powers is the way of dividing and organising the functions of the State. In this system, each main function is assigned to a different public institution. The division of powers, one of the main features of modern states, means that the power is divided into three powers: the legislative power, the Executive power (or government) and the Judicial power.
- Legislative power
The parliament that is directly chosen by the people is the legislative power or legislative power. It may be organised as a single chamber (like the Parliament of the BAC-Basque Autonomous Community) or as two chambers (the Spanish Congress and Senate).
The main tasks of the legislative power are to approve, reject or amend laws, impose taxes, debate and clarify political issues and control the government itself, taking the views of the citizens into consideration at all times.
- Executive power
The party that wins a majority of seats in the parliament forms a government and is regarded as executing the will of the people. It is responsible for the everyday running of the State. Its main functions are to direct internal and external policies, to ensure that laws are enforced, to guarantee defence, basic services, etc.
In democratic states the Executive power is usually that of a single person: the head of government, the president, the prime minister, the chancellor, etc.
- Judicial power
The Judicial power is responsible for the legal system of a country. It decides whether laws are being obeyed or broken, and guarantees the rights of citizens. That is why it is separate from the other two powers to ensure total freedom. Judges are responsible for guaranteeing judicial power.