Through a system of separation of powers and the system of `` checks and balances , '' each of these branches has some authority to act on its own , some authority to regulate the other two branches , and has some of its own authority , in turn , regulated by the other branches .

Through a system of separation of powers or `` checks and balances '' , each of these branches has some authority to act on its own , some authority to influence the other two branches , and is influenced by the other branches .
