HISET Social Studies Practice

What does the system of checks and balances aim to achieve?

1. Increased power for the executive branch

2. Decentralization of government authority

3. Each branch of government places limits on the power of other branches

4. Permanent control by Congress over the President

The correct answer is: Each branch of government places limits on the power of other branches

The system of checks and balances is a fundamental principle in the United States government that aims to ensure that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—gains too much power or authority. Each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, creating a balance that requires cooperation and accountability among them. This system is designed to prevent abuses of power and protect individual liberties by ensuring that decisions are made with input from multiple branches. For instance, while Congress has the authority to make laws, the President can veto legislation, and the Supreme Court can rule laws unconstitutional. This interaction fosters a cooperative framework that encourages dialogue and compromise. The other choices, while related to government structure, do not accurately describe the purpose of checks and balances. The aim is not to increase the power of the executive branch, decentralize authority in a way that weakens effective governance, or establish permanent control by Congress over the presidency. Instead, the focus is solely on mutual regulation and limitation of power across the three branches to promote a stable and fair government.