What does the principle of separation of powers imply?

The principle of separation of powers is fundamental to the structure of government in many democratic systems. It implies that the powers and responsibilities of government are divided among three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws; the executive branch enforces and administers these laws, and the judiciary interprets the laws and ensures they are applied fairly. This division is designed to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power or influence, thereby promoting a system of checks and balances where each branch can limit the powers of the others.

This principle helps ensure accountability and transparency in governance, allowing for greater protection of individual rights and liberties. By separating powers, the system encourages cooperation and deliberation among the branches, reducing the risk of authoritarian rule and promoting a more equitable society.

In contrast, centralizing all governmental powers in one branch, as suggested in one of the other options, would undermine this balance and could lead to tyranny. Similarly, having law-making and law enforcement undertaken by the same body or allowing judicial authorities to create laws would blur the lines of responsibility and authority between the branches, compromising the integrity of the governmental structure.