What does the principle of separation of powers require in the U.S. government?

• A. All government power should reside in a single branch.
• B. The executive branch holds all government power.
• C. Powers are divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of authority.
• D. The judicial branch creates laws directly.

Answer: (D)

Separating powers means dividing government authority among three different branches so no single part holds all the power. In the United States, Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, and the courts interpret laws. This arrangement helps prevent the concentration of authority and creates checks and balances where each branch can limit the others' powers. For example, the President can veto legislation, Congress can override a veto, and the courts can strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution. The idea that the judiciary directly creates laws or that all power rests in one branch doesn’t fit this structure.