The Supreme Court generally treads lightly in "separation of powers" cases, where one of the three branches of government is being subjected to the dictates of another.

CNN: Will She Have Her Day In Court?

Checks and balances between the three branches of government protect the individual's rights by limiting the powers of the state, but make the individual subject to the law.

ECONOMIST: In love with regulation

Under our founding document, powers were divided at the center into three branches of government and were diffused again among states and municipalities.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

Each of the entities was given rights that may infringe on powers vested in at least one of the three traditional branches of American government, and thus to constitutional checks on power, according to the plaintiffs.

ECONOMIST: The Dodd-Frank act: Unhappy birthday to you | The