Which system enforces the separation of powers among the branches of government?

The system that enforces the separation of powers among the branches of government is Checks and Balances. This system is designed to ensure that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate or misuse its power. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, as well as the ability to limit the powers of the other branches. For example, the legislative branch makes laws, but the executive branch has the ability to veto those laws, and the judicial branch can interpret them and rule them unconstitutional if necessary. This interplay prevents any one branch from acting independently and guarantees that each branch operates within the bounds set forth by the Constitution, maintaining a balance of power that safeguards against tyranny or abuse.

In contrast, federalism refers to the division of power between national and state governments, but does not inherently address the separation of powers within the branches of the same government. Judicial review is the power of courts to assess whether a law is constitutional, which is a mechanism derived from the checks and balances system rather than a standalone structure for enforcing separation. Direct democracy involves citizens directly voting on laws and policies rather than through elected representatives, which does not pertain to the separation of powers.