One of the smartest things America's founding fathers did was to create a government with three separate but equal branches -- executive, legislative and judicial -- and a system of checks and balances to ensure none of them could run roughshod over the others.

Is it still working? What happens if one branch strays out of its lane by overreaching its powers?

You're invited for a rare opportunity to hear Wyoming's senior statesmen talk about the balance among branches of government. It's not a debate or a speech -- it's a fireside chat with opportunities for the audience to submit questions as well.

The participants are former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson for the legislative branch, former Governor Mike Sullivan for the executive branch, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson for the judicial branch. They'll discuss their views and highlight some current events in which one branch or another has been accused of crossing lanes.

You'll come away with an appreciation of how carefully designed our American government is, and how all branches need to function according to the powers and limits defined in the Constitution in order for it to work properly.

"Stay in Your Lane, Bro!" will be held Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. in the Gertrude Krampert Theatre at Casper College. Admission is free, and the event is open to all.

The event is organized by the Casper College Department of Political Science, History and International Studies.

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