Civics Test Question 15: There are three branches of government. Why?
A question from the 2025 civics test, with the answers USCIS publishes and our explanation.
Translation
15
There are three branches of government. Why?政府有三个分支。为什么？Hay tres poderes de gobierno. ¿Por qué?
Official answers
Any one of these is correct.
So one part does not become too powerful防止某一部分权力过大Para que ninguna parte tenga demasiado poder
Checks and balances制衡Pesos y contrapesos
Separation of powers三权分立Separación de poderes
Explanation
The government is split into legislative, executive and judicial branches that check each other, so no single part becomes too powerful. This is called separation of powers and checks and balances.
Memory tip
💡 Three branches → checks and balances.
More questions in American Government · Principles
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