What mechanism prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The correct choice is checks and balances, which is a fundamental principle in the structure of the United States government. This system ensures that each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—has the ability to limit the powers of the others. This prevents any one branch from gaining too much power or acting in a way that could infringe on the rights of citizens or the authority of the other branches.

For instance, while the legislative branch can create laws, the executive branch has the power to veto those laws. Conversely, the judicial branch can interpret laws and declare them unconstitutional, thereby checking the powers of both the legislative and executive branches. This intricate system promotes accountability and encourages cooperation among the branches.

Separation of powers refers to the distinct delineation of authority among the branches of government, which allows them to operate independently. However, without checks and balances, the mere separation would not suffice to prevent one branch from dominating the others.

Judicial review is the process by which courts examine the actions of the legislative and executive branches and determine whether they are constitutional. While important, it is one aspect of the broader checks and balances system.

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the power of government comes from the consent of the governed. While this concept under