Separation of Powers means that the three branches of government are separated.

The three branches are as follows:

• the Legislative - the part that makes laws
• the Executive - the part that carries out (executes) the laws
• the Judicial Branch - the courts that decide if the law has been broken

Separation of Powers helps to protect freedom. The executive branch carries out the laws but cannot make laws to make themselves powerful. Also the judiciary is responsible for making sure that criminals are punished, so that members of the government or legislature cannot ignore the law as the judiciary can check on them.