Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

What system allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches?

1. Checks and Balances

2. Separation of Powers

3. Federalism

4. Judicial Review

The correct answer is: Checks and Balances

The system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches is known as Checks and Balances. This framework is integral to the functioning of a constitutional democracy and is designed to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—has specific powers that can affect the actions of the other branches, thereby creating a balance of power. For example, the legislative branch has the ability to pass laws, but the executive branch can veto those laws. Conversely, the legislative branch can also override a veto with a sufficient majority. The judicial branch, meanwhile, can review laws passed by the legislative branch to determine if they are constitutional, effectively providing a check on legislative power. This interplay helps to ensure that governmental authority is exercised in a controlled and limited fashion, protecting individual rights and preventing tyranny. The other concepts are related but serve different purposes. The Separation of Powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent the concentration of power. Federalism pertains to the distribution of power between national and state governments, while Judicial Review is the specific power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. Each serves a vital role in governance, but Checks and Balances specifically focuses