Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The concept of accountability among the branches of government is primarily ensured through checks and balances. This system is designed to prevent any one branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—from becoming too powerful and to ensure that each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others.

Checks and balances operate by allowing each branch certain oversight capabilities over the others. For example, the legislative branch has the power to create laws, but the executive has the authority to veto those laws. Meanwhile, the judicial branch can review laws and executive actions, determining their constitutionality. This interplay creates a system of mutual control that holds each branch accountable for its actions and decisions.

In contrast, while separation of powers establishes distinct responsibilities among the branches, it is the checks and balances system that specifically facilitates accountability. The other options, such as electoral oversight and judicial review, serve important roles in the governmental framework but do not primarily focus on the accountability mechanism between branches.