U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentEasy
A civics test applicant is asked about the fundamental principle that ensures no single branch of government becomes too dominant. What concept describes the division of governmental authority into distinct branches with specific responsibilities?
- ASeparation of Powers
- BPopular Sovereignty
- CJudicial Review
- DFederalism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Separation of Powers
Separation of Powers is a core principle of the U.S. government that divides governmental responsibilities into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of power.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Popular Sovereignty refers to the idea that the government's power comes from the consent of the people.
- C. Judicial Review is the power of courts to determine if laws are constitutional, a function of the judicial branch, not the overarching principle of dividing powers.
- D. Federalism is about the division of power between federal and state governments, not within the federal government.
Separation of Powers
The division of governmental authority into distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
- Ensures checks and balances
- Protects against tyranny
- Each branch has unique responsibilities
Memory trick: Separate powers keep government honest, like separate chores for a family.