What is the main purpose of the separation of powers?

The main purpose of the separation of powers is to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This concept is foundational to the structure of the U.S. government, where authority is divided among three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has its own responsibilities, powers, and obligations, which creates a system of checks and balances. This ensures that no single branch can dominate or abuse its power, allowing for a more balanced and fair governance.

Through this division, the framers of the Constitution intended to protect individual liberties and promote accountability. For instance, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. The ability of each branch to check the others helps to safeguard against tyranny and arbitrary rule, ultimately contributing to the stability and integrity of the political system.

The other options pertain to different aspects of governance, but they do not encapsulate the primary rationale behind the separation of powers. Maintaining state sovereignty is more related to the autonomy of states within the larger federal structure; promoting international relations focuses on diplomacy and foreign affairs; and ensuring electoral fairness pertains to the processes by which representatives are chosen, which, while important, is distinct from the structural governance principles