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Difficulty: MediumSeparation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The legal power of the legislative branch to override an executive veto on a bill through a two-thirds majority vote directly demonstrates which principle of constitutional government?

  1. Checks and balances limiting executive discretionAnswer
  2. B
    Absolute separation of powers requiring complete isolation of government organs
  3. C
    Judicial review nullifying legislative enactments
  4. D
    Coercive power exercised outside constitutional authority

Answer

Checks and balances limiting executive discretion
The override of an executive veto by a two-thirds majority in the legislature is a classic check and balance mechanism. It ensures that while the executive can temporarily halt legislation, the legislative branch retains the constitutional capacity to prevent executive obstruction when broad legislative consensus exists.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the action described in the stem.
The legislature overrides an executive veto on a bill using a constitutional two-thirds majority requirement.
Identifying the specific inter-organ mechanism determines the constitutional principle at work.
2
Relate the action to constitutional principles of power distribution.
While separation of powers divides governmental functions among distinct branches, checks and balances enable each organ to restrain or control the others to prevent tyranny.
A legislative override is a direct check exercised by the legislature against executive veto power.

Key Concept

Checks and Balances
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Topics

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

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