The division of national government into three branches instead one is known as separation of powers. This principle is based on the idea that power should be divided among different branches of government in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The three branches of government are the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch.
* The legislative branch is responsible for making laws.
* The executive branch is responsible for carrying out laws.
* The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws.
The separation of powers prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by giving each branch the ability to check the power of the other branches. For example, the legislative branch can check the power of the executive branch by passing laws that limit the executive branch's power, and the judicial branch can check the power of the legislative branch by striking down laws that are unconstitutional.
The separation of powers is an important principle of American government because it helps to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people. By dividing power among different branches of government, it is more difficult for any one branch to become corrupt or tyrannical.