2025 US civics test, question 15

There are three branches of government. Why?

Official answers

USCIS accepts any one of these:

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

Explained

The Founders feared that a person or group with too much power could take over the country. By giving each branch of government different powers, the Constitution creates a separation of powers that keeps any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Sources: USCIS, 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version, M-1778); USCIS, One Nation, One People: The USCIS 2025 Civics Test Study Guide (Chapter 1: The U.S. Constitution > Separation of Powers).

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Independent study page, not affiliated with USCIS. The question and answers are from the official USCIS list; the explanation is written by Capxule from the official USCIS study guide. Some answers change after elections; USCIS asks you to give the name of the official serving at the time of your interview.