Assess students' understanding of the U.S. separation of powers and system of checks and balances by testing identification of each branch’s core powers and functions, explanation of specific checks (e.g., vetoes and overrides, appointments and confirmations, judicial review, impeachment, treaty ratification, congressional oversight), analysis of historical or hypothetical interactions among branches, and evaluation of how these mechanisms affect governance and accountability; designed for grades 9–12 with medium difficulty and a mix of short-answer and scenario questions.