The "separation of church and state" refers to the principle that government and religious institutions should remain distinct and independent from one another. This concept aims to prevent the government from favoring any particular religion and ensures that religious beliefs do not influence public policy and governance. By maintaining this separation, societies strive to uphold religious freedom and protect individuals from discrimination based on their faith. This principle is crucial in democratic societies, where diverse beliefs coexist and the rule of law governs public affairs without religious bias.