Principles of Government

Front

Why do we have 3 branches of government instead of 1 branch?

Back

to ensure government power is limited

Answer explanation

Dividing power among three branches would prevent one entity from having too much power and becoming potentially tyrannical.

Front

What type of government is made up of elected officials to serve the will of the people?

Back

Representative Government (Republic)

Answer explanation

A representative government, or republic, is made of elected officials that "represent" the people.

Front

A system in which each branch of government limits the power of the other branch

Back

Checks and Balances

Answer explanation

Checks and Balances were designed in which one branches decision would have to be "checked" or approved by another in order to prevent abuse of power.

Front

"We the People..." - This excerpt from the US Constitution best represents the principle of...

Back

Popular Sovereignty

Answer explanation

Popular Sovereignty refers to the "peoples power" - wherever people have influence in government.

Front

Which government principle implies that no official government is above the law?

Back

Limited Government

Answer explanation

In a Limited Government, public officials must also obey laws - they are "limited" in what they can do as outlined by the US Constitution.

Front

Federal courts having the power to nullify (remove) unconstitutional laws would be an example of...

Back

Checks and Balances

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court nullifying an unconstitutional law would be an example of that branch "checking" the legislative branch to creating a law that is deemed as going against what is allowed.

Front

This principle was simply designed to prevent misuse of power.

Back

Separation of powers

Answer explanation

Government powers are divided among three parts so that no one entity can have all power.

Front

Which government principle divides power between the national and state governments?

Back

Federalism

Answer explanation

Federalism refers to powers divided between the national and state governments, with the national on top and states below.

Front

This principle includes the three branches of government.

Back

Separation of powers

Answer explanation

Separation of Powers sees power shared between three branches with different roles.

Front

The Power of the president to VETO a bill is an example of: Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, Republicanism, Limited Government

Back

Checks and Balances

Answer explanation

Presidents can Veto (reject) a proposed law (bill) that they disagree with - they are "checking" the legislative branch.