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

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

• A. Checks and balances
• B. Separation of powers
• C. Federalism
• D. Popular sovereignty

Answer: (A)

The concept of checks and balances is fundamental to the functioning of the American government, as it ensures that no single branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate the others. Each branch is granted specific powers and responsibilities that allow it to monitor and limit the actions of the other branches. For instance, the legislative branch has the authority to create laws, but the executive branch can veto those laws. Meanwhile, the judicial branch has the power to interpret laws and declare them unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution. This interdependence fosters a system of accountability, fostering collaboration and preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful or acting independently without oversight. This balance is crucial to maintaining the democratic foundation of the government, ensuring that power remains distributed and that citizens' rights are protected. The other choices, while related to government structure, do not primarily address the issue of power concentration between branches. Separation of powers establishes the distinct boundaries and responsibilities of each branch, but it is the mechanism of checks and balances that actively prevents overreach. Federalism pertains to the distribution of power between national and state governments, and popular sovereignty relates to the principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. Thus, checks and balances is the specific mechanism that safeguards

The concept of checks and balances is fundamental to the functioning of the American government, as it ensures that no single branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate the others. Each branch is granted specific powers and responsibilities that allow it to monitor and limit the actions of the other branches. For instance, the legislative branch has the authority to create laws, but the executive branch can veto those laws. Meanwhile, the judicial branch has the power to interpret laws and declare them unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution. This interdependence fosters a system of accountability, fostering collaboration and preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful or acting independently without oversight. This balance is crucial to maintaining the democratic foundation of the government, ensuring that power remains distributed and that citizens' rights are protected.

The other choices, while related to government structure, do not primarily address the issue of power concentration between branches. Separation of powers establishes the distinct boundaries and responsibilities of each branch, but it is the mechanism of checks and balances that actively prevents overreach. Federalism pertains to the distribution of power between national and state governments, and popular sovereignty relates to the principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. Thus, checks and balances is the specific mechanism that safeguards