What does "checks and balances" ensure in government?

"Checks and balances" is a fundamental principle embedded in the structure of the U.S. government, designed to maintain a balance of power among the three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This system ensures that no single branch can dominate or exercise power unchecked, thereby safeguarding liberty and preventing tyranny.

The concept allows each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others. For example, the legislative branch has the power to create laws, but these laws can be vetoed by the executive branch. Additionally, the judiciary has the authority to interpret laws and assess their constitutionality, acting as a counterbalance to both the legislative and executive branches. This interplay of power fosters accountability and encourages cooperation among branches, ensuring that decisions reflect a consensus rather than the will of a singular entity.

In contrast, other options suggest outcomes that undermine the core idea of checks and balances. The notion of one branch having absolute power directly contradicts this principle, as does the idea of branches functioning independently without oversight, which would lead to an imbalance. Lastly, a lack of accountability to the public would negate the transparency and responsiveness that checks and balances aim to promote in governance. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the protective role of checks and balances in maintaining equitable power distribution within