Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

Which of the following best describes separation of powers?

1. Power is divided between the national government and the 50 states.

2. Power is distributed among three branches of government.

3. State governments receive their powers from the people.

4. The basic powers of government are gathered in a single agency.

The correct answer is: Power is distributed among three branches of government.

Separation of powers is a fundamental principle in the structure of government that ensures that authority is divided among three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. This model is designed to prevent the concentration of power in any single branch and to create a system of checks and balances, where each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others. By distributing powers among these three branches, the government maintains accountability and protects individual liberties, as no single branch can dominate or control the governmental functions entirely. In contrast, the other options reflect different concepts. The division of power between the national government and state governments pertains to federalism, not separation of powers. The statement about state governments receiving their powers from the people relates to the concept of popular sovereignty rather than the mechanics of government structure. Lastly, the idea of gathering all powers in a single agency contradicts the very essence of separation of powers, as it would lead to an authoritarian structure devoid of checks and balances.