What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers.

• checks and balances
• separation of powers

Our explanation

The Constitution gives each branch different powers. This is separation of powers. The branches also check, or limit, each other. For example, the President chooses federal judges, but the Senate must approve them.

Remember it

Picture a balance scale: each branch checks the others, so no branch gets too much power.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (One Nation, One People, M-1175) p. 12, 29: “The Constitution gives each branch of government different powers. This is called “separation of powers.”” … “That person must also be approved by the U.S. Senate to become a federal judge.” (“checks and balances”: 2008 list Q14; Study Guide p. 78 index.)

• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (2008 version), rev. 08/21 (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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