WEST-E Social Studies Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The principle of government that advocates for the division of authority to prevent any single entity from gaining too much power is the separation of powers. This concept is integral to many democracies, particularly in the United States, where it establishes three distinct branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own responsibilities and powers, which helps ensure that no single branch can dominate the government or act without checks and balances from the others.

By dividing responsibilities among different branches, the separation of powers creates a framework for governance that promotes accountability and protects individual liberties. This structure necessitates cooperation and communication among the branches, ultimately safeguarding against tyranny and encouraging a balanced approach to law-making and governance.

Judicial review involves the courts' ability to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions but does not directly address the division of powers itself. Popular sovereignty pertains to the notion that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, and federalism describes the sharing of power between national and state governments, rather than focusing solely on the internal division of authority within the government itself.