Separation of powers as an ingredient of the presidential system implies the

1. Analyze the question The question asks what "separation of powers" means in a presidential system. It is a core concept in Government (Political Science).

2. Explain the concept Separation of powers, associated with Baron de Montesquieu, means that the three functions of government are divided among three distinct organs:

• Legislature makes laws
• Executive implements/enforces laws
• Judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes

Each organ has its own personnel and its own area of authority, so that power is not concentrated in one person or body. In a presidential system such as Nigeria's or the USA's, this is a defining feature.

3. Evaluate the options

• A. Distinction of governmental powers: This fits. Government powers are made distinct (legislative, executive, judicial) and assigned to separate organs.
• B. Demarcation of levels of government: This describes federalism (federal, state, local), also called a vertical division of powers. It is not separation of powers.
• C. Distinction between head of state and head of government: This describes the parliamentary system, where the two roles are held by different people. In a presidential system the President holds both roles, so this is wrong.
• D. Sharing of governmental powers: This is close to the idea of checks and balances or fusion of powers, and "sharing" suggests overlap. Separation of powers stresses distinction, not sharing, so this is not the best answer.

4. Answer Separation of powers implies the distinction of governmental powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary.

5. Exam tip Keep two ideas apart:

• Separation of powers is horizontal (between organs: legislature, executive, judiciary).
• Federalism is vertical (between levels: federal, state, local).

If an option mentions "levels," think federalism. If it mentions "organs" or "distinct functions," think separation of powers.