Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Practice Exam

The doctrine of separation of powers is a foundational principle in many democratic societies that prevents the concentration of power by distributing authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Each branch has its roles and functions, and this separation is essential to maintaining a system of checks and balances.

The assertion that the president can issue executive orders that contradict specific legislation does not align with the principles of separation of powers. Executive orders cannot override laws that have been duly passed by the legislature; doing so would undermine the law-making authority of the legislative branch. This principle emphasizes that while the executive has the authority to manage the operations of the government, it cannot create laws that contradict those established by the legislature. Rather, the executive's responsibility is to enforce the laws passed by Congress. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects a misuse of executive power, illustrating why it does not fit within the implications of the separation of powers doctrine.

The other options highlight various aspects of this doctrine: the oversight function of the legislature, the checks that each branch has on the others, and the judiciary's role in reviewing the legality of laws. These affirm the balance and interaction intended by the separation of powers, which is structured to ensure that no single branch can dominate the others.