What does the separation of powers ensure in a government?

The principle of separation of powers is a foundational concept in many democratic governments, designed to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. By stipulating that no branch can exercise the core functions of another, this principle creates a system of checks and balances. Each of the three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—has its own distinct responsibilities and authorities, ensuring that they operate independently while also holding each other accountable.

This structure helps to protect against tyranny and abuse of power, as it prevents any single branch from overstepping its boundaries or infringing upon the rights and functions of the others. For instance, the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. This division is essential for maintaining a balanced government where power is distributed and each branch can monitor and limit the actions of the others.

In contrast, the other choices present ideas that either misrepresent the nature of separation of powers or imply a lack of balance and accountability among the branches.