Which principle of government ensures that power is distributed among different branches?

The principle of government that ensures power is distributed among different branches is the separation of powers. This concept, foundational to the U.S. Constitution, divides the governmental authority into three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has its own responsibilities and powers, which helps prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful or overstepping its authority. By establishing clear roles and functions for each branch, the separation of powers creates a system of governance that promotes accountability and protects individual liberties by ensuring that power is not concentrated in a single entity. This distribution of power is essential for maintaining a balanced and democratic system of government, where each branch can operate independently while still being subject to a system of checks and balances.