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

The principle that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful is checks and balances. This system is designed to ensure that each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—can limit the powers of the others. This means that no single branch can dominate or control the functions of government.

For example, the legislative branch makes laws, but the executive has the power to veto those laws, demonstrating a check on legislative power. Similarly, the judicial branch can rule laws or executive actions unconstitutional, providing a check on both the legislative and executive branches. This interplay maintains a balance of power and aims to protect the democratic process and the rights of citizens by preventing any single branch from exerting unilateral control or abuse of power.

Understanding this principle is essential because it underscores the foundational structure of American government, which was intentionally designed to safeguard against tyranny and ensure that each branch operates within its limits while still being accountable to the other branches.