What prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The concept of checks and balances is fundamental to the structure of the U.S. government. This system ensures that the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—can each monitor and limit the powers of the others. For instance, while the executive branch enforces laws, the legislative branch creates them, and the judicial branch interprets them. If one branch attempts to overstep its authority, the other branches have the power to intervene, thereby maintaining a balance of power.

In practical terms, this means that Congress can pass legislation, but the president can veto it. Conversely, the legislative branch can override a veto with a supermajority. Additionally, the judiciary can review laws and executive actions to determine if they are constitutional. This intricate interplay of powers prevents any single branch from becoming dominant, fostering a government that is more responsive and accountable to its citizens.

While judicial review is a process that allows the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of actions taken by the branches, it is just one element of the broader checks and balances framework. Civil rights pertain to the personal liberties and protections for individuals, and executive orders are directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government, but they do not address the overall balance