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

The concept of checks and balances is a foundational principle in the United States government, specifically designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This mechanism ensures that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches can monitor and limit each other’s powers. For example, while the legislature makes laws, the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, and the judiciary can interpret them. Each branch has the authority to check the powers of the others, which creates a system of accountability and balance.

In this way, checks and balances facilitate a division of power, ensuring that no single branch can dominate the government and that a collaborative approach is maintained. This was implemented by the framers of the Constitution to secure a government that remains responsive to the people while avoiding tyranny.

Other options do not directly relate to the process of maintaining power balance among government branches. While separation of church and state is crucial for religious freedom in governance, majority rule pertains to decision-making processes, and judicial review addresses the courts' ability to interpret laws and assess their constitutionality rather than preventing one branch from gaining excessive power.