What principle is established by the concept of separation of powers?

The principle established by the concept of separation of powers is that each branch of government has its own distinct responsibilities. This foundational idea is central to the structure of the U.S. government as outlined in the Constitution, which divides the government into three separate branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Each branch is designed to handle specific functions—legislation, execution of laws, and interpretation of laws, respectively.

The separation of powers serves to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful by providing a system of checks and balances. This means that while each branch operates independently in its own domain, they also interact and can limit each other's powers. For instance, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. This distinct delineation of responsibilities ensures a balanced governance structure, promoting accountability and protecting individual liberties.