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Q. 15 / 128American Government → Branches of Government

There are three branches of government. Why?

OFFICIAL ANSWER
  • So no branch is too powerful
  • (Branches of government provide) separation of powers
  • (Branches of government provide a system of) checks and balances
Hear the answer · spoken at official pace0:03

Context

The Framers of the Constitution feared concentrated power after their experience under British rule. They designed a system where Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, and the courts interpret them—each branch checking the others. For example, Congress can pass a law, but the President can veto it, and the Supreme Court can declare it unconstitutional.

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