Balance
Definition
Balance refers to the distribution or allocation of power and authority between different entities or levels of government. It involves maintaining an equilibrium or fair distribution of power.
Analogy
Think of balance as a teeter-totter on a playground. Just like how you want both sides of the teeter-totter to be at the same level so that it remains balanced, in politics, we strive for fairness and equal distribution of power between different levels of government.
Related terms
Federalism: Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central government (national) and regional governments (states). The goal is to find the right balance between national and state authority.
Separation of Powers: Separation of powers is the division of governmental responsibilities among different branches (like executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Checks and Balances: Checks and balances are mechanisms that allow each branch of government to limit the powers of other branches. This system ensures there's no concentration or abuse of power by any single entity.
"Balance" appears in:
Practice Questions (8)
How might the balance between state and national power evolve as autonomous vehicles become more commonplace?
What if the Supreme Court ruled in favor of McCulloch in the case McCulloch v. Maryland, how might this have affected the balance between state and federal power?
Which function of Congress has been consistently used to balance the power of executive agreements?
How might the balance between state and federal powers look today if the Supreme Court consistently favored states' rights over central government?
What is a key feature of the U.S Constitution that helps to balance minority and majority rights?
What was the effect of Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v Hodges on balance between minority and majority rights?
How does the Constitution ensure a balance between majority rule and individual rights in the legislative process?
Why has the United States continued to maintain a balance between majority rule and minority rights?
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