The principle behind separating powers among the three branches was to prevent tyranny by distributing power. Which option expresses this idea?

• A. To ensure rapid decision making
• B. To centralize power
• C. Devised to allay the fear that a centralized government would lead to tyranny
• D. To increase bureaucratic efficiency

Answer: (C)

Separating powers among the branches is about preventing one group from holding too much control by dispersing authority and creating checks and balances. The idea is to guard liberty by making it harder for tyranny to arise from centralized power.

The correct option expresses that motive by saying the system was devised to allay the fear that a centralized government would lead to tyranny. In other words, the design aims to keep power spread across different offices and bodies so no single entity can dominate.

This isn’t about making decisions quickly, centralizing authority, or chasing bureaucratic efficiency. Those would undermine the protection against tyranny, whereas distributing power and enabling mutual restraints among the branches preserves liberty.