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

• A. Checks and Balances
• B. Separation of Powers
• C. Federalism
• D. Due Process

Answer: (A)

The idea tested is checks and balances—the system in which each branch of the U.S. government can limit the others, preventing any one branch from gaining too much power. This structure keeps government accountable and protects against tyranny. Examples include the President’s veto, Congress’s ability to override a veto, Senate confirmation of appointments and treaties, impeachment powers, and the courts’ power of judicial review to strike down laws or actions that overstep constitutional bounds. While separation of powers explains why there are three branches, checks and balances explains how they watch over each other. Federalism concerns power division between national and state governments, and due process is about fair treatment under the law in legal proceedings.