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

The system that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful is Checks and Balances. This principle is foundational to the structure of the U.S. government, ensuring that each branch – legislative, executive, and judicial – has the ability to limit the powers of the others. This means that no single branch can dominate or misuse its authority, fostering a balance of power among them. For example, while Congress can make laws, the President has the power to veto those laws, and the courts can declare laws unconstitutional. This interplay helps maintain accountability and encourages cooperation between the branches, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

The other concepts, while important, do not specifically address the balance of power in the same way. The Separation of Powers delineates the different responsibilities of each branch but does not inherently include the mechanisms by which those branches may limit each other. Judicial Review pertains to the authority of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions but does not encapsulate the broader system of mutual checks. Federalism involves the division of power between national and state governments, serving a different purpose in governance.