U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyMedium
A civics teacher is explaining the concept of 'separation of powers' in the U.S. government. Which statement best describes this principle?
- AThe President has the authority to declare laws unconstitutional.
- BGovernmental responsibilities are assigned to distinct branches to prevent concentration of power.
- CPower is divided between the federal government and state governments.
- DAll governmental decisions must be approved by a national popular vote.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Governmental responsibilities are assigned to distinct branches to prevent concentration of power.
Separation of powers refers to the division of governmental roles into distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with specific responsibilities to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The judicial branch, specifically the Supreme Court, declares laws unconstitutional, not the President.
- C. This describes federalism, not separation of powers.
- D. This describes direct democracy, not separation of powers.
Separation of Powers
The division of the U.S. government into three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with its own powers and responsibilities.
- Legislative makes laws
- Executive enforces laws
- Judicial interprets laws
Memory trick: Separate powers, like parts of a CAR, each has a job.