Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What system prevents any one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful?

1. Federalism

2. Checks and balances

3. Separation of church and state

4. Judicial review

The correct answer is: Checks and balances

The system that prevents any one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful is the system of checks and balances. This framework is a fundamental principle established in the Constitution, designed to ensure that power is distributed and regulated among the three branches of government: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and they can limit each other's actions through various mechanisms. For instance, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch can veto those laws, and the judicial branch can rule them unconstitutional. This interdependence is essential to maintaining the rule of law and protecting against tyranny, ensuring that no single branch can dominate the government or infringe upon the rights of citizens. Other concepts like federalism involve the division of power between national and state governments, while separation of church and state addresses religious influence in government. Judicial review, although important, refers specifically to the power of the courts to examine the actions of the executive and legislative branches and determine their constitutionality. While all these concepts contribute to the U.S. governmental structure, the checks and balances system is specifically aimed at preventing the concentration of power within any one branch.