collocation · academic
separation of powers
UK/ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən əv ˈpaʊəz/US/ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən əv ˈpaʊɚz/sep·a·RA·tion of POW·ers
The principle of dividing government authority among separate branches (legislative, executive, judiciary) so no one branch becomes too powerful.
Examples
“A clear separation of powers helps prevent abuse by any single branch of government.”
“Many constitutions enshrine the separation of powers to protect democracy.”
“Debates about judicial independence often involve the separation of powers.”
Band 8 sentence
“The separation of powers, enshrined in the constitution, is indispensable for preventing authoritarian tendencies and protecting judicial independence.”
Collocations
- ensure the separation of powers
- uphold the separation of powers
- constitutional separation of powers
Word family
Common mistakes
separation of power→separation of powers
separate powers→separation of powers
Say it for a higher band
5government branches→6division of powers→7+separation of powers
Synonyms
division of powers
Easily confused
checks and balances
“A healthy democracy requires effective checks and balances between branches of government.”
Related words
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In Society & Government
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