Which term describes the division of government powers among the three branches?

Which term describes the division of government powers among the three branches?

• A. Limited government
• B. Rule of Law
• C. Separation of Powers
• D. Civic Life

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how government power is divided among different branches so no single part can dominate. This arrangement is called separation of powers. It assigns distinct roles to each branch: the legislative branch creates laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. The strength of this setup lies in checks and balances, where each branch can limit the others’ actions and require cooperation, helping prevent tyranny.

Limited government describes restricting what government can do, but it doesn’t specify how power is distributed among branches. The rule of law is about laws applying equally to everyone, including those in power, not about separating power itself. Civic life refers to participation in the community and government, not the structural division of governmental powers.