Which principle divides government into parts, each with its own powers?

• A. Checks and balances
• B. Federalism
• C. Direct democracy
• D. Separation of powers

Answer: (D)

Separation of powers is the idea that government is split into different parts, each with its own special responsibilities. This keeps any one group from getting too much control. In a typical system, one branch makes laws, another enforces them, and a third interprets and resolves legal questions. Because each branch has its own powers and can check the others, the government works more fairly and protects people’s rights. In Texas and the U.S. alike, the same split helps prevent tyranny by making it harder for any single branch to dominate.