All 128 questions · American Government / A: Principles
2025 Civics Test · Question 15 of 128
There are three branches of government. Why?
En español: Hay tres poderes (ramas) de gobierno. ¿Por qué? — ver en español
Try to answer out loud first — then check
Accepted answers (USCIS M-1778)
- So one part does not become too powerful
- Checks and balances
- Separation of powers
Why this is the answerBecause the colonists had just escaped one man holding every power. Splitting it three ways means each branch can block the others — nobody gets to be king.
See it explained▶ Why there are three branchesFree short lesson on our YouTube channel — no signup, nothing to install.
This answer is free — here and everywhere else on the internet. Still having it in the interview room, out loud, in English, under pressure: that’s what Naturalizer trains.
In the Naturalizer app, this question is taught inside “The machine” — how the three branches of the U.S. government work and check each other. On the real test, an officer asks up to 20 of the 128 questions out loud; 12 correct answers pass.
The real test is oral — practice answering out loudFree to start — no card needed.
Free PDF: 10 study rules + all 128 questions with answers (English + Spanish)