Of the following, which best describes the framework for the
Constitution? Select two. (2 points)
A system of checks and balances is designed to prevent
abuse of power.
The four branches equally share one-quarter of the
power.
Powers not mentioned in the Constitution are assumed to
belong to the federal government.
The separation of powers ensures that no one branch
has too much power.
A system of checks and balances is designed to prevent abuse of power.
The separation of powers ensures that no one branch has too much power.
The two descriptions that best describe the framework for the Constitution are:
1. A system of checks and balances is designed to prevent abuse of power.
2. The separation of powers ensures that no one branch has too much power.
To determine which statements best describe the framework of the Constitution, we will analyze each option:
Option 1: A system of checks and balances is designed to prevent abuse of power.
This statement accurately describes the framework of the Constitution. The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances in which each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, preventing any one branch from exerting excessive power.
Option 2: The four branches equally share one-quarter of the power.
This statement is not accurate. The Constitution does not create four branches of government; it establishes three branches – the executive, legislative, and judicial. Additionally, the power is not divided equally into precise quarters among these branches. Instead, each branch has its own distinct powers and authority.
Option 3: Powers not mentioned in the Constitution are assumed to belong to the federal government.
This statement is not accurate. The Constitution follows a principle known as the "enumerated powers." According to this principle, powers not explicitly granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people under the Tenth Amendment. Hence, any powers not mentioned in the Constitution are not automatically assumed to belong to the federal government.
Option 4: The separation of powers ensures that no one branch has too much power.
This statement accurately describes the framework of the Constitution. The separation of powers, as outlined in the Constitution, divides governmental power among the three branches in order to prevent any single branch from accumulating excessive power.
Based on the analysis, the two statements that best describe the framework for the Constitution are:
1. A system of checks and balances is designed to prevent abuse of power.
4. The separation of powers ensures that no one branch has too much power.