Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What mechanism is in place to prevent any one government branch from becoming too powerful?

1. Separation of powers

2. Judicial review

3. Checks and balances

4. Constitutional amendments

The correct answer is: Checks and balances

The mechanism that prevents any one government branch from becoming too powerful is known as checks and balances. This system is foundational to the structure of the U.S. government, designed to ensure that each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches. This creates a balance of power, preventing any single branch from dominating the government. For example, while the legislative branch creates laws, the executive branch has the ability to veto legislation. Conversely, the judicial branch can review laws for constitutionality and has the power to strike down laws that it finds violate the Constitution. This interplay ensures that all branches are held accountable and that the government's power is distributed. The other options, while related, serve different functions. The separation of powers establishes the distinct functions of each branch, but it does not inherently provide the dynamic of interaction that checks and balances does. Judicial review allows the courts to interpret the Constitution and review legislative and executive actions, but it is a function within the broader framework of checks and balances. Constitutional amendments are a way to change the Constitution itself, reflecting the will of the people but not a mechanism actively preventing the concentration of power in any branch.