U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyEasy
An immigrant is preparing for the civics test and learns about the structure of the U.S. government. She is told that the government is divided into three main parts: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. What fundamental principle of American democracy does this division represent?
- AFederalism
- BJudicial Review
- CSeparation of Powers
- DChecks and Balances
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Separation of Powers
The division of government into three distinct branches—Legislative, Executive, and Judicial—is known as the separation of powers. This principle is designed to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Federalism divides power between national and state governments, not within the national government.
- B. Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.
- D. Checks and balances are the mechanisms by which each branch limits the others, not the division itself.
Separation of Powers
The division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
- Divides government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, Judicial.
- Prevents concentration of power.
- Each branch has specific functions.
Memory trick: Separate powers keep the government from being too towering.