What does the separation of powers aim to achieve in governance?

The separation of powers is a fundamental doctrine in governance that aims to distribute government authority across three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. This division is designed to prevent the concentration of power in one branch and to provide a system of checks and balances, which ensures that no single entity can dominate the governance of a state.

By allocating specific powers and responsibilities to each branch, the system promotes accountability and prevents abuses of power. For instance, the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch for implementing those laws, and the judicial branch for interpreting them. If one branch oversteps its authority, the other branches can intervene, thus maintaining a balance within the governance structure.

This effective dispersion of power fosters democratic principles and safeguards individual liberties by ensuring that power is exercised in a manner that serves the public interest, rather than allowing any one branch to operate unchecked.