Separation of Powers

noun (uncountable; proper noun in constitutional theory)

/ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən əv ˈpaʊəz/

The constitutional doctrine that divides governmental authority among three distinct and independent branches — legislature, executive, and judiciary — to prevent concentration of power and ensure checks and balances. In India, the doctrine is not rigidly applied as in the US: the executive is drawn from and responsible to the legislature (Article 75(3)); however, the Supreme Court has held separation of powers to be a basic structure feature (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973; Ram Jawaya Kapur v. Punjab, 1955), and the independence of the judiciary from the executive is particularly protected.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

In Ram Jawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab (1955), the Supreme Court held that though India did not adopt the strict American model of separation of powers, the broad principle of differentiation of the three organs and their respective functions was embedded in the Constitution.

Synonyms

trias politicachecks and balancesdivision of powerstripartite government

Antonyms

concentration of powerfusion of powerstotalitarianismexecutive supremacy

🌱 Word Family

separate (verb/adjective), separation (noun), separatism (noun), power (noun), empower (verb), separated (adjective)

🔡 Root

Latin separare (to put apart) ← se- (apart) + parare (to prepare, to arrange) + Latin potere (to be able)

📜 Etymology

Separate from Latin separare, formed from se- (apart) and parare (to make ready, to arrange). The doctrine was articulated by Montesquieu in De l'Esprit des Lois (1748), building on Locke's earlier two-power division, and influenced the US Constitution (1787) and subsequently the Indian Constitution.

🧠 Memory Hook

Three brothers in a house: LEGIS (lawmaker), EXEC (executor), JUDIC (judge). SEPARATION OF POWERS says: each brother has his own room and cannot interfere with the others'. Montesquieu designed this three-bedroom Constitution-house.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2021 — Constitutional Foundations
Mains 2020 · GS2 · 15 marks — Indian Polity
Mains 2019 · GS2 · 10 marks — Indian Polity
Mains 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marks — Indian Polity

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Separation of Powers” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: Preamble of the Indian Constitution 📋 Also in Key Terms

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