Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

What is the purpose of the separation of powers in the Constitution?

• To give more power to the legislative branch

• To prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful

• To ensure the executive branch has the most power

• To limit the power of the judicial branch

What is the principle of checks and balances?

• The power of the executive branch to veto laws

• The power of the legislative branch to impeach the president

• The power of each branch to limit the powers of the other branches

• The power of the judicial branch to interpret the Constitution

Why did the framers believe it was necessary to divide political power between the branches?

• To ensure the executive branch has the most power

• To prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful

• To give more power to the legislative branch

• To limit the power of the judicial branch

What did James Madison and the framers assume about human nature?

• Human nature is perfect and trustworthy

• Human nature is imperfect and ambitious

• Human nature is selfless and altruistic

• Human nature is unpredictable and chaotic

What is the main purpose of the government structure described by Madison?

• To protect the rights of the majority

• To control and limit the power of the government

• To ensure the dominance of the legislative branch

• To promote the interests of the political elites

What is the primary control on the government in a republic?

• The power of the executive branch

• The power of the judicial branch

• The power of the legislative branch

• The dependence on the people

How are minority rights protected in the American system?

• By giving more power to the majority

• By creating a will independent of the majority

• By suppressing the rights of the minority

• By allowing the majority to oppress the minority

Why is it difficult for a durable majority to form and oppress the minority in America?

• Because the government is controlled by the political elites

• Because the size of the republic and diversity of interests prevent it

• Because the judicial branch protects minority rights

• Because the executive branch has the power to veto laws

What is the ultimate goal of government according to Madison?

• To maintain order and stability

• To promote economic prosperity

• To protect individual rights and ensure justice

• To consolidate power and control the people

What is the main advantage of the compound republic of America?

• The ability to concentrate power in the hands of a few

• The ability to suppress the rights of the minority

• The ability to maintain a strong central government

• The ability to control and limit the power of the government