U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentEasy
During a civics interview, an applicant is asked about the structure of the U.S. government. Which of the following is considered one of the three main branches?
- AThe Presidential Cabinet
- BThe Electoral College
- CThe Judicial Branch
- DThe State Department
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The Judicial Branch
The U.S. government operates under a system of shared powers divided among three distinct branches. The Judicial Branch is one of these fundamental components, responsible for interpreting laws.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Presidential Cabinet is part of the Executive Branch, not a separate branch itself.
- B. The Electoral College is a process for electing the President, not a branch of government.
- D. The State Department is an executive department, not a separate branch of government.
Branches of Government
The U.S. government is divided into three distinct branches to ensure a separation of powers and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
- Legislative Branch (Congress) makes laws.
- Executive Branch (President) carries out laws.
- Judicial Branch (Courts) interprets laws.
Memory trick: LEG-EX-JUD: Laws are made, executed, and judged.