Which system is designed to prevent one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful?

The system designed to prevent one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful is known as Checks and Balances. This framework ensures that each of the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—has the ability to limit or check the powers of the other branches. By doing so, it creates a balance where no single branch can operate without some level of oversight from the others. For example, while the executive branch can veto legislation, the legislative branch can override that veto with a sufficient majority. Furthermore, the judicial branch has the power to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, thus providing a check on both the legislative and executive branches. This interdependence is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the U.S. democratic system and preventing abuses of power.

Separation of Powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. While it is related to the concept of Checks and Balances, it does not alone ensure that one branch cannot gain undue power. Federalism involves the distribution of power between national and state governments; it creates a different layer of governance but does not directly address the power dynamics among branches at the federal level. The Bill of Rights consists of