Sources of Power and Authority Practice Test

Passage: In the United States, constitutional authority comes from the written Constitution, which divides power among branches and levels of government. Congress makes laws, the president executes them, and courts interpret them; federalism also shares power with states. Checks and balances—such as vetoes, judicial review, and legislative oversight—aim to prevent any one institution from dominating. Authority is maintained through regular elections, court rulings, and compliance with due process, but it can be challenged when officials dispute constitutional limits or when courts strike down laws. In the United Kingdom, authority blends constitutional rules with traditional authority: the monarchy’s role is largely ceremonial, yet customs and long-standing institutions shape how leaders govern. While Parliament is sovereign, many practices rely on conventions rather than a single written constitution. Traditional symbols can reinforce legitimacy, but debates over reforms and the role of unelected institutions can challenge accepted norms. Based on the passage above, what role does checks and balances play in maintaining authority in the United States?

Passage: In the United States, constitutional authority comes from the written Constitution, which divides power among branches and levels of government. Congress makes laws, the president executes them, and courts interpret them; federalism also shares power with states. Checks and balances—such as vetoes, judicial review, and legislative oversight—aim to prevent any one institution from dominating. Authority is maintained through regular elections, court rulings, and compliance with due process, but it can be challenged when officials dispute constitutional limits or when courts strike down laws. In the United Kingdom, authority blends constitutional rules with traditional authority: the monarchy’s role is largely ceremonial, yet customs and long-standing institutions shape how leaders govern. While Parliament is sovereign, many practices rely on conventions rather than a single written constitution. Traditional symbols can reinforce legitimacy, but debates over reforms and the role of unelected institutions can challenge accepted norms. Based on the passage above, which example from the passage illustrates traditional authority in the United Kingdom?