Milwaukee, Wisconsin Civics Practice Test

Power in the U.S. government is divided into three branches to prevent the concentration of power and to provide checks and balances. The legislative branch writes laws and is made up of two houses of Congress. The executive branch enforces laws and is headed by the President (and Vice President). The judicial branch interprets laws and settles disputes, including the court system led by the Supreme Court. The system of checks and balances lets each branch limit the others: the President can veto legislation; Congress can override vetoes and impeach, and the Senate confirms presidential nominations; the judiciary can strike down laws or executive actions as unconstitutional. This three-branch structure is the framework the United States uses to distribute power and maintain accountability.