Division of powers is a fundamental principle of federalism, which is a form of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. In this system, the powers of the government are distributed between the national or federal government and the state or provincial governments.

The principle of division of powers is based on the idea that concentrating too much power in one central authority can lead to tyranny, oppression, and abuse of power. Therefore, the distribution of power between different levels of government helps to ensure that no one entity has too much control or influence over the citizenry.

Under a federal system, the national government is responsible for handling matters that affect the entire nation, such as national defense, foreign policy, and monetary policy. Meanwhile, the state or provincial governments are responsible for handling matters that affect their respective territories, such as education, public transportation, and local law enforcement.

The division of powers is typically outlined in a country's constitution or other legal document. These documents specify which powers are given to the national government and which powers are reserved for the state or provincial governments. In some cases, there may be overlap or ambiguity regarding which level of government has jurisdiction over certain issues. In these situations, the courts may be called upon to interpret the law and resolve any disputes.

Overall, the principle of division of powers is integral to the functioning of federal systems of government. By distributing power and responsibilities across multiple levels of government, federalism helps to ensure that citizens have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and that power remains in check.