Assess students' ability to analyze how separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches creates checks and balances to prevent abuse of power; students should identify specific constitutional checks (e.g., veto, judicial review, impeachment), provide concrete historical or hypothetical examples, explain how each check limits overreach, and evaluate strengths and potential weaknesses of the system. Keep content appropriate for grades 6–8 with tasks requiring explanation, comparison, and short critical analysis.