Which principle involves the division of government into three separate branches?

The principle that involves the division of government into three separate branches is known as Separation of Powers. This framework was established in the United States Constitution to ensure that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—could dominate the others, thereby protecting against tyranny and abuse of power. Each branch has its own distinct functions: the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. This division not only helps distribute power but also creates a system of governance where each branch can operate independently while still holding the others accountable, promoting a balanced government structure.

This concept stands in contrast to the other options. Checks and Balances refer to the mechanisms that ensure all branches can limit each other's powers to maintain that balance. Judicial Review is the process by which the judiciary can invalidate laws and executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional, which is a function carried out within the judicial branch. Federalism describes the division of power between the national and state governments, rather than within the branches of a single government.