Question 15Principles of American Government

There are three branches of government. Why?

Answers USCIS accepts

  • So one part does not become too powerful
  • Checks and balances
  • Separation of powers

What does this answer mean?

The government has three branches so that no one part becomes too powerful. USCIS accepts three answers: so one part does not become too powerful, checks and balances, or separation of powers.

Separation of powers means each branch has its own job. Congress, the legislative branch, writes laws. The president, who leads the executive branch, carries out and enforces laws. The courts, the judicial branch, explain laws and settle disagreements about them.

Checks and balances means each branch can limit the others. The president can veto a bill passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. The president nominates federal judges, but the Senate must approve them. The courts can decide that a law goes against the Constitution.

The colonists had complained about a king with too much power. Splitting power among three branches was a way to protect people's freedom and keep any one leader or group in check.

Any one of the three answers works at the interview.

Memory tip

Three branches, each checking the others: checks and balances.

Sources3

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