What does "separation of powers" refer to?

"Separation of powers" refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches, which is fundamental to creating a system of checks and balances. This concept, most notably articulated by political philosophers such as Montesquieu, is designed to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power and to ensure that the different branches—typically the executive, legislative, and judicial—each have their unique roles and responsibilities.

By having distinct branches, the system encourages accountability and oversight, with each branch able to monitor and limit the actions of the others. This approach is critical in fostering a democratic governance structure that promotes liberty and prevents tyranny, as powers are not concentrated in a single entity.

The other options refer to different aspects of governance but do not encapsulate the essence of "separation of powers." For example, the process of electing representatives doesn't inherently involve dividing government functions. Establishing a single ruler with absolute control contradicts the principle of separation of powers, as it centralizes authority rather than dispersing it. Lastly, the enforcement of laws and regulations is typically a duty of one of those branches (the executive) and does not define the structure of government as a whole.