GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentEasy
A state governor vetoes a bill passed by the state legislature. The legislature then overrides the governor's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. This action is an example of which principle of government?
- AChecks and balances
- BSeparation of powers
- CPopular sovereignty
- DFederalism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Checks and balances
The ability of the legislature to override a governor's veto is a classic example of checks and balances, where one branch of government limits the power of another to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Separation of powers divides governmental responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial).
- C. Popular sovereignty refers to the idea that the government's authority comes from the consent of the governed.
- D. Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments.
Checks and Balances
A system in which each branch of government has powers that can limit the actions of the other branches.
- Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful
- Ensures accountability and cooperation
- Examples: presidential veto, judicial review, legislative override
Memory trick: C.B. = 'Control Balance' between powers.