← Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
Federalism & Checks and Balances
The Constitution divides power both vertically (federalism, between national and state governments) and horizontally (separation of powers, checks and balances among three branches).
Overview
Federalism splits authority between national and state governments (with some powers concurrent, like taxation). Checks and balances give each of the three federal branches tools to limit the others — e.g., presidential veto, congressional override, judicial review — preventing any single branch from dominating.
Practice Quiz
Question 1 of 1Score so far: 0/0
Which best describes the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution?