The principle of separation of powers in government refers to the division of governmental responsibilities among different branches—typically the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This structure is designed to prevent the concentration of power in one entity, thus promoting checks and balances. Each branch has distinct functions: the legislative makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judicial interprets their meaning. The separation of powers reinforces democratic governance and protects individual rights by ensuring that authority is distributed and subject to oversight and accountability.