Which principle allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others?

The principle that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others is Checks and Balances. This system is foundational in the design of the U.S. government and is intended to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful or overstepping its authority. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—has the ability to monitor and influence the actions of the others, ensuring a balance of power.

For instance, Congress (the legislative branch) can enact laws, but the President (the executive branch) has the power to veto those laws. Conversely, the judiciary can review laws and executive actions to determine their constitutionality. This interdependency is vital for maintaining a democratic system and protecting individual rights.

Separation of Powers, while closely related, refers specifically to dividing government responsibilities among the different branches. This principle establishes distinct roles for each branch, but it is the Checks and Balances that allows them to interact in ways that limit each other's powers effectively.

Judicial Review pertains to the ability of courts to assess the legality and constitutionality of actions by the executive and legislative branches without directly addressing how powers are balanced among them. Popular Sovereignty emphasizes that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, which relates more to democratic