What prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The concept that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful is the principle of checks and balances. This system is designed to ensure that each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—can monitor and limit the powers of the others. By distributing authority and giving each branch specific powers, checks and balances act as a safeguard against the potential abuse of power.

For instance, the legislative branch has the authority to create laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, while the judicial branch can review laws to determine their constitutionality. This dynamic interaction ensures that no single branch can operate independently without oversight from the others, maintaining a balance of power within the government.

While separation of powers is closely related and also plays a crucial role in defining the distinct roles of each branch, it does not itself enforce limitations or oversight on the power of the branches. Judicial review is a specific function that allows courts to assess the legality of legislative and executive actions, but it is just one aspect of the broader checks and balances framework. Executive orders are actions taken by the president and do not directly address the question of preventing a concentration of power among the branches.