Which constitutional principle divides government powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent one branch from exceeding its powers?

• A. Checks and Balances
• B. Federalism
• C. Judicial Review
• D. Separation of Power

Answer: (D)

Separation of powers is the idea that government authority is divided into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with its own responsibilities. This division keeps any one branch from having too much control, because the different branches must rely on each other to carry out laws. For example, Congress can make laws, the president can enforce them, and the courts can interpret or check how they are applied. This structure creates a built-in system to prevent overreach.

Check and balances is related, but it focuses on how the branches monitor and limit each other’s powers in action, rather than simply distributing those powers in the first place. Federalism deals with the distribution of power between national and state governments, and judicial review is the court’s power to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution.