Question 15: There are three branches of government. Why?
Official answers (any one counts)
USCIS accepts any of these answers. If the question asks for more than one, give as many as it asks.
- So one part does not become too powerful
- Checks and balances
- Separation of powers
Grandpa explains
So no part gets too much power, kiddo. Each branch keeps an eye on the other two.
Careful: these are NOT the answer
These are the common mix-ups. The app uses them as traps so you practice.
- To make laws faster
- To help the President
- To create more jobs
On the 2008 test this is question 14
If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 version. Which one is mine?
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- checks and balances
- separation of powers
Video lesson on this topic: The Supreme Law
More questions on this topic
- 1What is the form of government of the United States?
- 2What is the supreme law of the land? ★
- 3Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
- 4The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?
- 5How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
- 6What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Official sources:
- USCIS · 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) ↗ · checked October 6, 2026
The plain explanation is ours; the official answers are USCIS's, word for word.