What is the system in which each branch has powers to watch over the others to prevent abuse of power?

What is the system in which each branch has powers to watch over the others to prevent abuse of power?

• A. Federalism
• B. Judicial Review
• C. Enumerated / Expressed Powers
• D. Checks and Balances

Answer: (D)

Checks and balances is the system where each branch in government has the ability to monitor and limit the others to prevent the abuse of power. This arrangement keeps any one branch from getting too powerful by requiring cooperation and oversight among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, helping protect liberty and ensure government actions stay within constitutional bounds. Federalism, by contrast, describes the division of power between national and state governments, not how branches watch each other. Judicial review is a powerful tool within checks and balances that lets courts strike down unconstitutional actions, but it’s one mechanism within the broader system. Enumerated or expressed powers are the specific powers granted to the federal government, not the system of oversight itself.

Checks and balances is the system where each branch in government has the ability to monitor and limit the others to prevent the abuse of power. This arrangement keeps any one branch from getting too powerful by requiring cooperation and oversight among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, helping protect liberty and ensure government actions stay within constitutional bounds.

Federalism, by contrast, describes the division of power between national and state governments, not how branches watch each other. Judicial review is a powerful tool within checks and balances that lets courts strike down unconstitutional actions, but it’s one mechanism within the broader system. Enumerated or expressed powers are the specific powers granted to the federal government, not the system of oversight itself.