Question

When the Framers of our state's constitution began to create it, they looked to the U.S. Constitution as a model. Much like the national government, they created a state government in which each branch could keep the others from having too much power. For example, the State Supreme Court can- once a law has been passed and enforced- rule that the law violates the state constitution. If this happens, the law is no longer enforced.

What principle of government is being described in this passage?
A Federalism
B Separation of Powers
C Checks and Balances
D Republican Government

Answer 1

C — Checks and Balances.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes that each branch can limit the others (the courts can invalidate a law), which is the system of checks and balances. Separation of powers is related (division of functions among branches), but the specific ability to restrain another branch is checks and balances.