The British executive power possesses all the authority properly appertaining to [concerning] a sovereign, but he is surrounded by a triple line of dams, barriers, and stockades. . . . [N]ot even decrees of royal authority can exempt them from this responsibility. The executive is commander in chief of the army and navy; he makes peace and declares war; but Parliament annually determines what sums are to be paid to these military forces. While the courts and judges are dependent on the executive power, the laws originate in and are made by Parliament.
—Simón de Bolívar:
Message to the Congress of Angostura, 1819
What is Bolívar trying to convey about the powers of government in this passage?
The executive branch should have no authority at all.
Each branch of the government should have checks on its power.
Each branch of the government should be sovereign and independent.
The executive branch of government should have complete authority.
