Separation of Powers: This term refers to the division of governmental powers among three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial - ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.
Checks and Balances: Checks and balances refer to a system where each branch of government has some control over the actions of other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming dominant.
Stare Decisis: Stare decisis is a legal principle that means "to stand by things decided." It is a doctrine that courts should adhere to precedent (previous court decisions) when deciding similar cases.