What is the principle of separation of powers?

The principle of separation of powers is fundamentally about dividing the government into distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to ensure that no single branch holds too much power and to prevent tyranny. This system is designed to create a system of checks and balances where each branch has specific responsibilities and can limit the powers of the others.

By having a legislative branch responsible for making laws, an executive branch to enforce those laws, and a judicial branch to interpret the laws, the framers of the Constitution aimed to distribute power in a way that would protect individual freedoms and promote accountability. This separation is a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring that power is not concentrated in one entity and that there are built-in mechanisms for oversight and collaboration among the branches. This way, it enhances the protection of rights and serves to maintain a balance that is crucial for a functioning democracy.