What is the term for a government where power is divided among separate branches?

• A. Separation of powers.
• B. Absolute monarchy.
• C. Unitary state.
• D. Federalism.

Answer: (A)

Separating governing powers across different branches is the idea behind separation of powers. This arrangement divides responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, giving each the ability to check or restrain the others. The goal is to prevent any one part of government from amassing too much power and to provide stability and accountability. For example, laws are made by the legislature, enforced by the executive, and interpreted by the judiciary, with each branch having distinct powers and limits. The other terms point to different systems: an absolute monarchy centers power in a single ruler; a unitary state concentrates authority in a central government; federalism splits power between central and regional authorities rather than among branches.