The idea of the separation of powers is a fundamental principle in the design of modern democratic governments.
This concept, often attributed to political philosopher Montesquieu, suggests that governmental power should be divided among different branches to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single entity.
Separating powers among different branches (typically executive, legislative, and judicial) provides a system of checks and balances. Each branch has some measure of influence over the others, which helps prevent abuses of power and ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful.