Civic Literacy Practice Test 2026 - Free Civic Literacy Questions and Study Guide

The principle that allows for the separation of powers among the branches of government is rooted in the concept of checks and balances. This principle ensures that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can operate independently without oversight or control by the others. Each branch has distinct responsibilities and powers, enabling them to check one another's authority and maintain a system of balance.

By incorporating checks and balances, the framers of the Constitution aimed to prevent the concentration of power and to protect against tyranny. For example, the legislative branch makes laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, while the judicial branch can declare laws unconstitutional, thereby enforcing the system of oversight.

In contrast, federalism refers to the division of power between national and state governments, while judicial review is the power of courts to decide the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. Popular sovereignty is the principle that the power of government is derived from the will of the people. While these concepts are essential to understanding government structure and function, checks and balances specifically pertains to the operational independence and mutual oversight of the branches of government.