U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What does the system of checks and balances ensure?

1. The concentration of power in one branch

2. Coordination among the three branches

3. Separate powers for local governments

4. A balance of power among the three branches

The correct answer is: A balance of power among the three branches

The system of checks and balances is a fundamental principle established by the U.S. Constitution to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. The framers of the Constitution designed this system to ensure that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches each have distinct powers and responsibilities, and that each branch can monitor and regulate the actions of the others. This balance of power means that no single branch has unilateral control over the governance of the country. For example, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, and the judicial branch can interpret them and rule on their legality. This interconnected system promotes accountability and requires cooperation among the branches to function effectively, thereby safeguarding democratic governance and protecting individual rights against potential government overreach. Understanding this principle is crucial as it underpins how the U.S. government operates, ensuring that authority is not concentrated in one sector, which is a core aspect of democratic governance.