Separation of powers

How it is used

A core idea in constitutional law and political theory, often linked to the French thinker Montesquieu. It is closely related to checks and balances. Commentators debate whether a reform strengthens or weakens the separation of powers.

Example sentences

1. Under the separation of powers, parliament makes the laws, the government applies them and the courts interpret them.

2. Our essay question asks how the separation of powers works in a presidential system.

Common collocations

• the separation of powers
• principle of the separation of powers
• strict separation of powers

Related terms

• checks and balancesA system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, so that no single person or institution can control everything.
• executiveThe branch of government that puts laws into effect and runs the country day to day, made up of the head of government, ministers and their departments.
• legislatureThe elected body with the power to make, change and repeal laws, such as a parliament, congress or national assembly.
• judiciaryThe branch of the state made up of judges and courts, which interprets the law, settles disputes and decides whether laws and government actions are legal.
• constitutionThe basic set of laws and principles that sets out how a state is organized, what powers its institutions have and what rights its citizens enjoy.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• separation of powers · Law
• separation of powers · Public Administration

More terms: Constitution, Courts and Rights

• citizen
• rule of law
• human rights
• freedom of expression
• constitutional court