📚 Topic Summary
The separation of powers is a fundamental principle of the United States Constitution, dividing governmental authority among three distinct branches: the legislative (Congress), the executive (President), and the judicial (Supreme Court). Each branch has its own specific powers and responsibilities, designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant. This system of checks and balances ensures that each branch can limit the power of the others, maintaining a balance of authority and protecting individual liberties.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match each term with its correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Veto |
A. The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional. |
| 2. Impeachment |
B. The process of formally accusing a public official of misconduct. |
| 3. Judicial Review |
C. The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress. |
| 4. Legislation |
D. The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws. |
| 5. Executive Branch |
E. Proposed or enacted laws. |
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- 1-C
- 2-B
- 3-A
- 4-E
- 5-D
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct terms: Congress, President, Supreme Court, laws, Constitution.
The separation of powers divides the federal government into three branches. __________ makes the __________, the __________ enforces the laws, and the __________ interprets the __________.
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Congress, laws, President, Supreme Court, Constitution
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how the separation of powers and checks and balances help to prevent tyranny in the U.S. government.