American Government Branches PRACTICE Quiz

Which principle prevents any one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful?

• Federalism

• Separation of powers

• Judicial review

• Popular sovereignty

Answer explanation

For example, military powers are divided between the president as the Commander in Chief and Congress who have the power to declare war.

What system allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power?

• Federalism

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

• Judicial activism

Which of the following is a power of the Executive Branch?

• Declaring war

• Ratifying treaties

• Vetoing bills

• Interpreting laws

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

• Bureaucratic

What is the primary function of the Judicial Branch?

• Enforcing laws

• Making laws

• Interpreting laws

• Ratifying treaties

Which branch of government has the power to declare war?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

• None of the above

Who has the power to appoint Federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices?

• The President

• Congress

• The Supreme Court

• State Governors

Which branch of government is responsible for approving Presidential appointments?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

• None of the above

What can Congress do if the President vetoes a bill?

• Override the veto with a simple majority vote

• Override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses

• Nothing; the veto is final

• Ask the Supreme Court to overturn the veto

Which of the following is a check the Judicial Branch has over the Legislative Branch?

• Vetoing legislation

• Declaring laws unconstitutional

• Impeaching members of Congress

• Ratifying treaties