What is meant by Separation of Powers?

Separation of Powers refers to a foundational principle in the structure of government, particularly in systems like that of the United States. It is designed to ensure that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—holds excessive power, thus promoting a system of checks and balances. By dividing governmental authority among these three branches, each branch is given distinct responsibilities and powers, which prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful or dominating the others.

This division is critical because it encourages collaboration and oversight among the branches, ensuring that laws are created, executed, and interpreted in a balanced manner. This framework is essential for protecting individual rights and maintaining a system of governance that is accountable to the people. The concept emerged from the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu, who advocated for a clear division of government roles to safeguard liberty and promote justice.