A principle embedded in the U.S Constitution that separates powers among different branches (legislative, executive, judicial) with each having specific abilities to limit or check each other's authority.
Related terms
Legislative branch: The branch of government (Congress) responsible for making laws.
Judicial branch: The branch of government (Supreme Court and federal courts) responsible for interpreting laws and resolving disputes.
Impeachment: The process by which Congress can remove a President or other federal officials from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors."