The constitutional principle that divides government authority among three distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with separate functions and the ability to check the others. This system prevents any single branch from accumulating too much power and protects against tyranny.
From Latin 'separare' (to divide) and 'potentia' (power). The concept was formalized by French philosopher Montesquieu in 1748, who observed the English system, and became foundational to the U.S. Constitution drafted in 1787.
The Founders were so committed to this principle that they designed it to create productive conflict—they wanted the branches to jealously guard their powers and fight each other rather than unite against the people! This 'ambition counteracting ambition' was James Madison's genius solution to the age-old problem of preventing government tyranny.
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