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 power 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 Educa- 8Puslic HeaLttu, Chapters 
tion, 234 Ill. 422. III, IV, V. 
7 PusBLic HEALTH, Chap. IX. 
