Which principle is NOT part of the U.S. Constitution?

• A. Separation of Powers
• B. Checks and Balances
• C. Popular Sovereignty
• D. Collective Security

Answer: (D)

The principle being assessed is how the Constitution creates and limits government power. Separation of powers assigns duties to three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—so no single part of government can control all decision-making. Checks and balances builds in ways for each branch to constrain the others, preventing tyranny and encouraging cooperation. Popular sovereignty means the authority of the government comes from the people, a idea reflected in the opening words “We the People” and the system that requires elections and consent to govern. Collective security, on the other hand, is a concept from international relations about nations agreeing to defend one another, and it isn’t established as a domestic constitutional principle. So collective security isn’t part of the Constitution’s guiding framework.