1.6 Principles of American Government Flashcards
Constitution*
lays out the specific and separate powers delegated to Congress, the president, and the courts. These allow each branch to check and balance the power of the other branches, ensuring no one branch becomes too powerful
Federalist 51*
explains how constitutional provisions of separation of powers and checks and balances control potential abuses by majorities
Separation of powers
the idea that the three branches of government should be separate and distinct, with each having its own specific responsibilities and powers
Checks and balances
Constitutional grant of powers that enables each of the three branches of government to check some acts of the others and therefore ensure that no branch can dominate