Test students' understanding of the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the system of checks and balances that enables each to limit the others. Scope includes constitutional foundations (Articles I–III), major powers and restraints (legislation, vetoes, appointments, judicial review, impeachment), landmark examples (e.g., Marbury v. Madison, United States v. Nixon), and scenario-based questions requiring analysis of branch interactions at the federal level.