Which principle allows for a system of government divided among different branches?

The principle that allows for a system of government divided among different branches is known as Separation of Powers. This concept is fundamental to the structure of the United States government, as established by the Constitution. It divides the government into three distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has its own responsibilities and powers, which helps to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The Separation of Powers is designed to create a system of governance where the branches can operate independently but are also interdependent. This ensures that each branch can limit the powers of the others, which supports democratic principles and promotes accountability. This division of authority is critical for fostering a balance within the government and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.

In contrast, other principles such as Checks and Balances pertain to how these branches interact with each other to monitor and restrain governmental power, Federalism refers to the distribution of power between the national and state governments, and Constitutionalism involves the limitation of government through a constitution. While these concepts are important in the context of government structure, they do not specifically address the division into distinct branches.