GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
A political science student is analyzing the historical context of the U.S. Constitution. They learn that the framers intentionally designed a system where each branch of government has specific powers that can limit the powers of the other branches. This design is primarily intended to prevent the accumulation of too much power in any single branch. Which principle does this describe?
- AFederalism
- BJudicial Review
- CChecks and Balances
- DPopular Sovereignty
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Checks and Balances
The system described, where each branch has powers to restrain the others, is known as checks and balances. This prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments, not among the branches of the federal government.
- B. Judicial review is the power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional, which is a specific check, but not the overarching principle of inter-branch limitation.
- D. Popular sovereignty refers to the idea that government's power comes from the people, not the interaction between branches.
Checks and Balances
Checks and balances is a system in U.S. government where each branch (legislative, executive, judicial) has some measure of influence over the other branches, and may choose to block procedures of the other branches. This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
- Each branch can limit the power of the other two.
- Designed to prevent tyranny and abuse of power.
- Examples include presidential veto, congressional override, judicial review.
Memory trick: Checks and balances: Like a political rock-paper-scissors to keep power fair.