Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyFederalist No. 51

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the principle in Federalist No. 51 that each branch of government must have the constitutional means to resist the encroachments of the others?

  1. A
    The President issues an executive order directing a federal agency to implement a policy.
  2. Congress votes to override a presidential veto of a law.Answer
  3. C
    A state governor refuses to enforce a federal policy within state borders.
  4. D
    Voters replace their representatives in Congress during a midterm election.

Answer

Congress votes to override a presidential veto of a law.
In Federalist No. 51, the author explains that the Constitution gives each branch of government the constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments by the other branches. A congressional override of a presidential veto is a direct example of this principle, as it allows the legislative branch to defend its constitutional power to make laws against executive obstruction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core principle from Federalist No. 51 stated in the prompt.
The prompt references the idea that each branch must be given the constitutional means to resist encroachments by other branches (checks and balances).
Understanding the core concept is necessary to evaluate the scenarios.
2
Evaluate the choices to find which one represents a branch using a constitutional power to limit or counter the power of another branch.
Congress overriding a veto directly blocks executive interference in the legislative process. Other options represent separation of powers execution, federal-state dynamics, or popular elections.
Differentiating between separation of powers, federalism, popular control, and checks and balances is key to finding the correct answer.

Key Concept

Checks and balances as a mechanism to resist encroachments between branches of government.
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Federalist No. 51

More questions from this topic