Is there really a separation of powers in government?

We're arguing two different things. I don't disagree with any of your point here.

But the Courts are more powerful in that they can override the Executive, the Executive does not override the Courts.
 
Ignoring a SCOTUS decision is illegal - but really, look at what legality means. Laws are only effective in states where the judicial system has achieved a level of legitimacy among the population for its reliability and efficacy. A sizable portion of legitimacy is merely perception, and you can see that reflected in courtroom architecture and federal buildings - imposing structures, elevated position, etc etc all contribute to the public perception of the judicial system.

Part of the genius of the separation of powers is that while yes, the other two branches CAN ignore the courts because the courts cannot enforce the laws, repeatedly ignoring SCOTUS decisions undermines the legitimacy of both the rule of law and the govt/people relationship. The division of SCOTUS decision and the executive's ability to enforce is done with the express check against the courts, preventing them from enforcing their own (potentially insane) decisions.
 
And I think that is a limited and misleading definition of power. Power is a very broad word. If I wanted to be equally narrow, I could say: The President appoints Judges, Judges do not appoint Presidents. The President is thus more powerful.

I am absolutely sure any individual could change the world more from the seat of the President than the seat of the Chief Justice. Domestically, internationally, you name it. That's power. That's the power of Caesar and Alexander.

If you define power STRICTLY as the ability to very occasionally have the final say, the courts win, but I don't see how that is a useful definition. I think there are legitimate reasons to argue the courts are more powerful...especially during some other eras...but that's not a very good one to me.

Also, by your definition, the courts were more powerful than the Presidency even during FDR which seems....silly.

It's semantics now. You're certainly right that the courts have the ultimate no.
 
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