What concept prevents one branch of government from overpowering the others?

The concept that prevents one branch of government from overpowering the others is the separation of powers. This principle divides government responsibilities among different branches—typically the executive, legislative, and judicial branches—so that no single branch can dominate or control the functions of government. Each branch has its distinct powers and responsibilities, ensuring that power is distributed and balanced.

While checks and balances also play a critical role in maintaining equilibrium among the branches by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others, the separation of powers fundamentally establishes the framework that delineates the authority and functions of each branch. In other words, separation of powers sets the groundwork for checks and balances to operate effectively by clearly defining the boundaries within which each branch operates.

The other concepts, such as federalism, relate to the division of power between national and state governments, and judicial review pertains to the courts' ability to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and actions by the executive and legislative branches. However, neither federalism nor judicial review directly addresses the internal dynamics and interactions among the branches of government in the way that separation of powers does.