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The United States Capitol, west front
USCIS Civics · Question 15 of 128

There are three branches of government. Why?

Official Answer

So one part does not become too powerful

Also accepted: Checks and balances · Separation of powers

In plain English

There are three branches so one part does not become too powerful. This idea is called separation of powers. Each branch can check, or limit, the other branches. This system is called checks and balances. Power is shared, so no single person or group controls everything. The government has three branches so that no part becomes too powerful.

From the archives

The United States Capitol, west front
The United States Capitol, west frontArchitect of the Capitol, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Image: The United States Capitol, west front — Architect of the Capitol, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.Answers verbatim from USCIS M-1778 (09/25)