Read the quotation from George Washington. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism. What was Washington warning against?

Washington warned that concentrating the powers of all government departments in one place would create despotism, or oppressive rule. A single ruler could hold that concentrated power, so “having a single ruler” is the best choice. Separation of powers, by contrast, divides authority among departments to prevent this kind of concentration.

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