Understanding Federal Government Structure

What are the three branches of the United States federal government?

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Legislative, Executive, Administrative

• Executive, Judicial, Administrative

• Legislative, Judicial, Administrative

Answer explanation

The three branches of the United States federal government are Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. This structure ensures a separation of powers, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Which branch of government makes laws?

• Executive

• Judicial

• Legislative

• Administrative

Answer explanation

The Legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It consists of elected representatives who debate and pass legislation, distinguishing it from the Executive, which enforces laws, and the Judicial, which interprets them.

Explain the system of checks and balances in the federal government.

• Each branch has powers that can alter or veto acts of another branch.

• The Executive branch has all the power.

• The Judicial branch can make laws.

• The Legislative branch can enforce laws.

Answer explanation

The system of checks and balances ensures that each branch of government can influence or limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. This is why the correct answer is that each branch has powers that can alter or veto acts of another branch.

What is the purpose of the separation of powers in the U.S. government?

• To ensure that one branch has more power than the others

• To divide the government into state and federal levels

• To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• To allow the President to control all branches

Answer explanation

The purpose of the separation of powers in the U.S. government is to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring a system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

(a)   is a power reserved for the federal government.

• Conducting elections
• Regulating interstate commerce
• Establishing local governments
• Issuing licenses

Answer explanation

Regulating interstate commerce is a power reserved for the federal government, as it involves trade and economic activities that cross state lines, which the Constitution grants Congress the authority to manage.

Describe the difference between federal and state government powers.

• Federal government powers are limited to local issues.

• State governments can override federal laws.

• Federal government handles national defense, while states handle education.

• State governments have no powers.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights the distinct roles of federal and state governments: the federal government is responsible for national defense, while state governments manage education, illustrating their separate powers.

Match the following roles with their functions in the federal government.

• Role of the President

• Makes laws

• Role of Congress

• Vetoes laws

• Role of the Executive Branch

• Enforces laws

• Role of the Judicial Branch

• Interprets laws

Answer explanation

Congress plays a crucial role in the federal government by making laws. It is the legislative branch, responsible for drafting, debating, and passing legislation, which is essential for governing the country.

How can Congress check the power of the President?

• By declaring laws unconstitutional

• By vetoing executive orders

• By overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote

• By appointing Supreme Court justices

Answer explanation

Congress can check the President's power by overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote, ensuring that legislation can still pass despite the President's objections.

What is judicial review?

• The power of the courts to make laws

• The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

• The power of the President to review court decisions

• The power of Congress to review court decisions

Answer explanation

Judicial review is the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional, ensuring that legislation aligns with the Constitution. This is a crucial check on legislative power.

Which branch of government interprets laws?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

• Administrative

Answer explanation

The Judicial branch interprets laws, ensuring they are applied fairly and consistently. It reviews legislation and resolves disputes, distinguishing it from the Executive, which enforces laws, and the Legislative, which creates them.