What system ensures that power is divided among different branches of government?

The concept of separating powers is fundamental to the structure of the government, particularly as outlined in the United States Constitution. This system divides governmental authority into distinct branches—typically the legislative, executive, and judicial branches—each with its own functions and responsibilities. The intention behind this division is to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring that the different branches can operate independently and can check one another's powers.

For example, the legislative branch creates laws, the executive branch enforces those laws, and the judicial branch interprets them. This framework establishes a balance where the powers of one branch can limit the actions of another, maintaining a system of governance that discourages tyranny and promotes accountability.

Options like federalism pertain to the distribution of power between national and state governments, which is a different concept. Checks and balances directly relate to how the branches interact with each other but do not by themselves describe the division of authority among the branches. Republicanism is about governance through elected representatives and does not specifically address the organizational structure of government powers. Thus, the division of powers as a concept is key to understanding how government is structured to protect liberty and prevent abuse of power.