Which term describes the three branches of government—the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial?

• A. Checks and Balances
• B. Branches of Government
• C. Federalism
• D. Civil Liberties

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how we name the three distinct parts of the national government. The term that describes these three branches—the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial—is Branches of Government. This label groups the three separate bodies that each carry its own powers and responsibilities.

Remember what each branch does: the Legislative writes laws, the Executive enforces them, and the Judicial interprets them. The other terms describe different ideas: checks and balances is the system that ensures the branches limit each other’s power; federalism is the division of power between national and state governments; civil liberties are individual rights protected by law.