Separation of powers\xa0is a doctrine of constitutional law under which the three branches of\xa0government\xa0(executive, legislative, and judicial) are kept separate. This is also known as the system of checks and balances, because each branch is given certain\xa0powers\xa0so as to check and balance the other branches.\xa0Separation of powers, therefore, refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances.\xa0The system of\xa0separation of powers\xa0divides the tasks of the state into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. These tasks are assigned to different institutions in such a way that each of them can check the others.