The classic concept: an architecture for learning

This chapter describes how the classic American separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches was not a ‘pure’ system but combined the principle of separation with the principle of checks and balances. It discusses the view of human nature, its mix of the good and the bad put forward by Montesquieu and adopted by the Founding Fathers, which underlay the need for checks and balances. It describes how the Founding Fathers turned to representative government in order to ensure that decisions were made by those with knowledge and understanding. The analysis characterises the architecture as an architecture for learning based on its open-ended approach to the tasks of government, the non-hierarchical relationships it established between the different branches and its sparing approach to declarations of rights. It points to two important accompanying principles; the distinction between justice and government law and the need to address income inequalities.