separation of powers

The constitutional principle that limits the powers vested in any person orinstitution. It divides governmental authority into three branches: legislative (Parliament or Senate), executive (President or Prime Minister and the Cabinet), and judiciary (Chief Justice and other judges). This principle is expressed fully in the US Constitution, but is used only as a guide in the UK.

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Usage Example

The legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the U.S. government were created to ensure the separation of powers and that no branch was more powerful than the rest.