noun

separation of powers

sep-ə-RAY-shən əv POW-erz

Separation of powers (noun) means the constitutional principle that the legislative, executive and judicial functions of government should be held by separate bodies, so that no one branch can control the state on its own. Example: “The separation of powers stops the president from writing the laws he enforces.”

noun

The constitutional principle that the legislative, executive and judicial functions of government should be held by separate bodies, so that no one branch can control the state on its own.

"The separation of powers stops the president from writing the laws he enforces."

"Critics said the emergency decree rode roughshod over the separation of powers."

How to use separation of powers

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSplitting government into parts so no single part holds all the power.

When to use it

Formal; standard in law, politics and civics teaching.

Memory tip

It takes a singular verb: the separation of powers is a founding principle.

Easily confused with

checks and balances → federalism → separation of church and state →

Common pairings

violate the separation of powers strict separation of powers the doctrine of the separation of powers

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The _____ stops the president from writing the laws he enforces.

Synonyms

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division of powers trias politica

Antonyms

autocracy fusion of powers concentration of power

Related words

dictatorship fascism tyranny autocracy oligarchy popular sovereignty

Rhymes for separation of powers

Bowers Lowers Towers

See all rhymes for separation of powers →

Frequently asked questions

What are the three branches under the separation of powers?

The legislature makes the law, the executive carries it out and administers government, and the judiciary interprets the law and settles disputes about it. In the United States these are Congress, the presidency and the federal courts.

What is the difference between separation of powers and checks and balances?

Separation of powers divides the functions between branches; checks and balances give each branch specific tools to restrain the others, such as the presidential veto, congressional impeachment and judicial review. The first sets the boundaries and the second polices them.

Does the United Kingdom have a separation of powers?

Only partially. The executive is drawn from and sits inside Parliament, which is often called a fusion of powers. The judiciary was clearly separated in 2009, when the Supreme Court took over the judicial role of the House of Lords.

What is the meaning of separation of powers?

"separation of powers" (noun) means the constitutional principle that the legislative, executive and judicial functions of government should be held by separate bodies, so that no one branch can control the state on its own.

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dictatorship fascism tyranny autocracy oligarchy popular sovereignty