What is the meaning of separation of powers?

• A. Power is divided between the federal and state governments only.
• B. Government powers divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent concentration.
• C. The judiciary controls both legislative and executive.
• D. One branch holds all powers.

Answer: (B)

Separating powers means government powers are divided among three branches so no single part holds all the authority. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judiciary interprets them. This division helps prevent the concentration of power and creates checks and balances, because each branch can limit the others. For example, laws can be made by Congress, vetoed by the president, and then reviewed for constitutionality by the courts. The other statements don’t fit: dividing power only between the federal and state governments describes federalism, not how power is split within the national government; having the judiciary control both other branches would undermine the system; and one branch having all powers would allow tyranny.