Which concept is designed to guard against tyranny by dividing government power among three branches?

Which concept is designed to guard against tyranny by dividing government power among three branches?

• A. Checks and balances
• B. Separation of powers
• C. Federalism
• D. Popular sovereignty

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is separating government powers into three branches. This principle assigns distinct duties to each branch—legislative makes laws, executive enforces them, and judicial interprets them—so no single entity can wield all the critical powers. By keeping powers separate, the structure reduces the chance that tyranny can take root through centralization of authority. It also relies on the system of checks and balances, which helps ensure that even with separate powers, branches must cooperate and can limit each other’s actions. While checks and balances are part of the broader design, the phrase focusing on dividing power among three branches points to separation of powers. Federalism, by contrast, deals with national versus state authority, and popular sovereignty centers on the people as the source of authority.

The idea being tested is separating government powers into three branches. This principle assigns distinct duties to each branch—legislative makes laws, executive enforces them, and judicial interprets them—so no single entity can wield all the critical powers. By keeping powers separate, the structure reduces the chance that tyranny can take root through centralization of authority. It also relies on the system of checks and balances, which helps ensure that even with separate powers, branches must cooperate and can limit each other’s actions. While checks and balances are part of the broader design, the phrase focusing on dividing power among three branches points to separation of powers. Federalism, by contrast, deals with national versus state authority, and popular sovereignty centers on the people as the source of authority.