What constitutional system allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other two?

• A. Separation of Powers
• B. Federalism
• C. Checks & Balances
• D. Judicial Review

Answer: (C)

Checks and balances is the system in which each branch has the power to limit the others, preventing any one part of government from becoming too powerful. This setup uses mechanisms like the executive veto, Congress’s ability to override vetoes, Senate confirmation of appointments, impeachment, and the judiciary’s power to interpret laws and declare actions unconstitutional. Separation of powers describes how responsibilities are divided among the branches but doesn’t by itself spell out the mutual restraints; federalism deals with national versus state authority, not inter-branch checks; judicial review is a tool within the checks-and-balances framework rather than the overall system. The idea to focus on is the built-in structure that enables each branch to check the others and maintain balance.