U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyMedium
During a discussion on the U.S. Constitution, a participant asks, 'What is the primary purpose of the system of 'checks and balances'?'
- ATo centralize all decision-making authority within the legislative branch.
- BTo ensure that the federal government maintains absolute power over the states.
- CTo prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
- DTo allow the President to overturn any law passed by Congress without judicial review.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
The system of checks and balances is designed to distribute power among the three branches of government, allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others, thus preventing any single branch from gaining excessive power.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Checks and balances promote shared power, not centralization in one branch.
- B. Checks and balances aim to limit federal power, not expand it over states.
- D. The President's veto can be overridden by Congress; judicial review exists.
Checks and Balances
A system in the U.S. government where each branch (legislative, executive, judicial) has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.
- Prevents abuse of power
- Ensures no single branch is dominant
- Promotes cooperation and accountability
Memory trick: BALANCE the branches, don't let one BULK up!