The theory of Separation of Powers is a division of powers between:

The theory of separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power and ensure liberty. Traditionally, this model divides the state into three independent organs: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary [5]. Each branch is vested with specific powers—the legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets them [4]. This arrangement creates a system of checks and balances where each organ can limit the others, ensuring no single branch becomes autocratic [4]. While some systems, like the parliamentary model, exhibit a 'fusion of powers' between the executive and legislature, the core theory remains defined by the functional and institutional separation of these branches [5]. In contrast, the division between central and state governments is known as federalism or the division of powers at different levels [2].

Sources

1. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: Grassroots Democracy — Part 1: Governance > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 154
2. [5] https://journals.sas.ac.uk/amicus/article/download/5616/5290/9788
3. [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > AMERICAN CONSTITUTION > p. 674
4. [2] Democratic Politics-II. Political Science-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: Power-sharing > Forms of power-sharing > p. 8
5. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > FEATURES OF PRESIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT > p. 134