GENERAL PRINCIPLES 7 



cities are parts of the state, and they have only 

 such power and authority as the state may give to 

 them; or as may be reasonably implied in the pow- 

 ers expressly given. There are many things which 

 it might be desirable for a city to do, but which 

 it cannot do until it shall be given such power by 

 the state." A poAver or authority given to the 

 cities may at any time be taken back by the state 

 legislature, and ordinances previously passed and 

 in force under such authority will thus be re- 

 pealed." 



4. Division of Powers. According to the Amer- 

 ican governmental system, and more or less defi- 

 nitely and expressly provided in the several con- 

 stitutions, the powers of government are divided 

 between three branches. The legislature has au- 

 thority to make laws, but not to interpret nor to 

 apply them. The business of the executive branch 

 is solely to administer the laws impartially. It 

 is necessary for the executive often to interpret 

 the laws for his own guidance, but his interpreta- 

 tion has no weight of ' * authority. " It is true that 

 being in a position to know the facts, the opinion 

 of the executive may be given respect, but his 

 interpretation is frequently set aside. Neither is 

 it the province of the executive to say what shall, 

 or shall not, be the law, further than that under 

 the veto power he may impede the passage of cer- 

 tain acts which he thinks prejudicial; but even 

 then the acts may be made law over his veto.® 



6 Jenkins v. Board of Eduoa- » Public Health, Chapters 

 tion, 234 111. 422. Ill, IV, V. 



7 Public Health, Chap. IX. 



