What is the term used to describe the division of authority among the three branches of government?

The division of authority among the three branches of government is termed the "Separation of powers." This concept is fundamental to the structure of the United States government, as it establishes distinct roles and responsibilities for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. By distributing powers in this manner, the system aims to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful and to create a mechanism for each branch to operate independently while still being able to check the powers of the others.

This principle is crucial in ensuring a balanced government, where laws are made by the legislature, enforced by the executive, and interpreted by the judiciary. The separation of powers is designed to create a system of governance that is effective and accountable, promoting democratic values and protecting individual liberties.

While checks and balances play a role in this system by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others, the specific term denoting the division itself is separation of powers. Federalism refers to the division of powers between national and state governments, and judicial review is the power of the courts to assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, neither of which define the division among the three branches specifically.