What mechanism prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The mechanism that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful is best represented by the concept of checks and balances. This system is designed to ensure that each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—has the means to monitor and limit the powers of the others. This prevents any single branch from dominating or abusing its authority, thereby maintaining a balance of power.

Checks and balances are implemented through various means, such as the ability of the legislative branch to pass laws while the executive branch has the authority to veto them, and the judicial branch's power to interpret laws and declare them unconstitutional. This intricate system ensures that power is distributed and that each branch must collaborate and compromise, promoting accountability and transparency within the government.

While separation of powers is a related concept that outlines the distinct roles and responsibilities of each branch, checks and balances specifically refer to the interactions and power limitations among branches. Judicial review, on the other hand, pertains to the judiciary's authority to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions, while executive orders are directives issued by the president and do not play a role in balancing power among the branches of government.