What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• A. Separation of powers
• B. Federalism
• C. Checks and balances
• D. Judicial review

Answer: (C)

Checks and balances is the system that prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the others. For example, the legislative branch makes laws but the executive can veto them, and Congress can override that veto with enough votes. Congress also controls funding and can impeach and remove the president. The executive branch can appoint judges, with Senate confirmation, shaping the judiciary. The judiciary can review laws and executive actions to ensure they conform to the Constitution, curbing overreach by both the legislative and executive branches. Together, these overlapping powers create mutual oversight so no one branch can dominate. Separation of powers describes the division of responsibilities, federalism describes shared power between national and state governments, and judicial review is a tool used within checks and balances, not the overall system by itself.