Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances: Crash Course Government and Politics

Craig explains the fundamental concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances in American government. He describes the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and how they check and balance each other to prevent tyranny. The video emphasizes the importance of these mechanisms in protecting citizens' rights, referencing Federalist 51 by James Madison.

What are the three branches of the national government in the United States?

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Legislative, Executive, Administrative

• Executive, Judicial, Administrative

• Judicial, Legislative, Administrative

Which branch of the U.S. government is primarily responsible for making laws?

• Administrative

• Legislative

• Judicial

• Executive

What is the main role of the executive branch in the U.S. government?

• To amend laws

• To execute laws

• To make laws

• To interpret laws

What is the primary function of the judicial branch?

• To veto laws

• To interpret laws

• To execute laws

• To create laws

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

• To give the president more authority

• To eliminate the need for a judicial branch

• To ensure one branch has all the power

• To allow branches to limit each other's powers

Which branch of the U.S. government can impeach the president?

• Judicial

• Legislative

• Executive

• Administrative

Who wrote 'Federalist 51', which discusses the concept of checks and balances?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

• John Adams