Separation of powers helps create a limited government by distributing governmental authority among distinct branches, preventing any single branch from accumulating too much power. This division ensures we have system of checks and balances where each branch has specific powers that serve as a check on the others.
The concept of separation of powers, often attributed to political philosopher Montesquieu, is a fundamental principle in the design of a limited government. This principle divides governmental powers among three branches: the legislative, executive and judicial.
Each branch is assigned specific functions and authorities, creating a system where they can check and balance each other. For example, the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch for enforcing them, and the judicial branch for interpreting them.
So, this distribution of powers prevents the concentration of authority in one branch, reducing the risk of tyranny or abuse of power.
This question can be reframed as:
In Federalism, how does Separation of powers help to create a limited government?