Which of the following ideas in the Constitution ensures one branch of government does not become too powerful?
*
1 point
rule of law
separation of powers
democracy
federalism
separation of powers
The idea in the Constitution that ensures one branch of government does not become too powerful is the separation of powers.
The idea in the Constitution that ensures one branch of government does not become too powerful is the separation of powers. To understand why this is the correct answer, let's break down the other options:
1. Rule of law: The rule of law is a fundamental principle that requires all individuals and government to be subject to the law. While it is an important aspect of maintaining order and fairness, it does not directly address the balance of power between different branches of government.
2. Democracy: Democracy is a system in which power is vested in the people and exercised through voting and representation. While this is a key principle in the Constitution, it does not inherently prevent one branch from becoming too powerful. It is possible for a democratically elected government to have a dominant branch.
3. Federalism: Federalism is the division of power between a central government and regional or state governments. While federalism does help distribute power, it focuses more on the division of power between different levels of government, rather than preventing one branch from becoming too powerful.
Now let's consider the option that correctly addresses the question:
Separation of powers: This idea refers to the division of government authority among three separate branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own distinct powers and responsibilities, creating a system of checks and balances. This division ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful by requiring cooperation and oversight between the branches. For example, the legislative branch makes laws, but the executive branch can veto those laws, and the judicial branch can declare them unconstitutional. This separation of powers helps to prevent any one branch from dominating the others, thereby safeguarding against the concentration of power.