What's brilliant about the United States system of government is separation of power. Not only the executive, legislative, judicial branches, but also the independence of the military from civilians, an independent media and press, an independent central bank.

In this quote, Feisal Abdul Rauf praises the separation of power within the United States system of government. He highlights the importance of dividing authority across various branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful. Rauf goes further, noting the unique separation between the military and civilians, the independence of the media, and the role of an independent central bank. These checks and balances, according to Rauf, are what make the U.S. system effective and resilient in protecting individual freedoms and maintaining a fair and just society.

The origin of this statement reflects Rauf’s admiration for the democratic principles that guide the U.S. political system. As a Muslim leader and advocate for interfaith dialogue, Rauf often discussed the importance of democratic values in fostering societies that respect human rights and freedom of expression. By pointing to the separation of power as a foundational strength, Rauf emphasizes how these structures prevent authoritarian rule and protect the diversity of opinion and governance.

Rauf’s mention of the military independence from civilian control is significant, as it underscores the importance of ensuring that military power is not easily misused by those in political office. Additionally, his focus on the independent media and central bank points to the broader concept of ensuring that influential institutions in society are free from undue political or corporate influence. This separation enables a system where accountability, transparency, and balance of power are maintained.

Ultimately, Rauf’s quote emphasizes the checks and balances that are at the heart of the U.S. system and the importance of independence across key institutions in safeguarding democratic values. The effective operation of these separations ensures that power remains distributed, preventing corruption and protecting individual freedoms. Rauf is underscoring that the U.S. model serves as a valuable example of how diverse sectors of government and society can function independently yet cooperatively to support democracy.