Which statement best describes separation of powers?

• A. To ensure the judiciary has authority over military decisions.
• B. To prevent the concentration of power by dividing government responsibilities among three branches.
• C. To combine all governmental power into one branch.
• D. To extend rights of citizens beyond constitutional limits.

Answer: (B)

Separation of powers means dividing governmental responsibilities among three branches so that no single part of government holds all the power. Each branch has a distinct role—making laws, enforcing laws, and interpreting laws—and can check the others to prevent abuse of power. This structure aims to protect liberty by preventing the concentration of authority.

The statement that best describes this is the one that says power is divided among the three branches to prevent its concentration. The other options don't fit: giving the judiciary control over military decisions would upset the balance and isn’t how the system works; combining all power into one branch contradicts the whole idea; extending rights beyond constitutional limits isn’t about how powers are distributed.