Final answer:
After the Revolutionary War, most state governments embraced the separation of powers by setting up mixed governments with legislative, executive, and judicial branches, granting significant authority to the elected assemblies, and limiting the power of governors to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the concept of separation of powers following the Revolutionary War, most state governments granted authority to three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. After declaring independence, the states sought to form governments that would prevent the concentration of power and protect the liberties of the people. They established mixed governments mainly composed of a legislature, a chief executive (governor), and a judiciary. The governor's role was largely administrative, with significant power residing in the elected assemblies, whether bicameral or unicameral. To ensure a balance of power and prevent any single branch from becoming too influential, separation of powers was bolstered, particularly to keep the executive from dominating the other branches. Pennsylvania was unique in having no chief executive, opting for a governing council appointed by the legislature, whereas New York granted more power to its governor compared to other states.