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

The mechanism known as checks and balances is fundamental to the structure of government established by the United States Constitution. This system is designed to ensure that no one branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate or overreach its authority. Each branch has specific powers that can limit the actions of the others, creating a balance of power.

For instance, the legislative branch makes laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto legislation. Conversely, the legislative branch can override a veto with a supermajority vote. Similarly, the judicial branch can interpret laws and has the authority to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. This interplay ensures that power is distributed and regulated, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful or abusing its powers.

Understanding checks and balances helps to highlight the importance of cooperation and accountability among the branches of government, which is crucial for maintaining a democratic system and protecting against tyranny. The other mechanisms, such as majority rule, electoral votes, and judicial review, play specific roles in the functioning of a democracy but do not directly serve the overarching purpose of preventing one branch from gaining excessive power, which is the central role of checks and balances.