What principle ensures that no one branch of government has too much power?

• A. Federalism
• B. Separation of powers
• C. Majority rule
• D. Democratic governance

Answer: (B)

The principle that ensures no one branch of government has too much power is the separation of powers. This concept divides the government into three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has its own responsibilities and powers, which creates a system of checks and balances. This structure is foundational to the U.S. Constitution, designed to prevent any single branch from acquiring excessive authority and to promote accountability.

For example, the legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch for enforcing those laws, and the judicial branch for interpreting them. By establishing these boundaries, the separation of powers maintains a balance that protects individual rights and prevents authoritarian rule.

Other choices like federalism, majority rule, and democratic governance refer to different concepts. Federalism pertains to the distribution of power between national and state governments, majority rule is a principle for decision-making in democracies, and democratic governance emphasizes the involvement of citizens in political processes. While all are important elements of a democratic system, they do not specifically address the concern of power concentration among government branches as effectively as the separation of powers does.