Which principle ensures that no branch of government can gain too much power?

The principle that ensures no branch of government can gain too much power is checks and balances. This system is a fundamental feature of the U.S. Constitution, designed to prevent any one branch—the legislative, executive, or judicial—from exerting excessive control. Each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, creating a balance that promotes accountability and prevents abuses of power. For example, while Congress makes laws, the President can veto them, and the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. This interlocking system of oversight is essential for maintaining democratic governance and protecting individual liberties by ensuring that power is not concentrated in a single entity.

Other principles listed, such as federalism and separation of powers, contribute to the overall governance structure. Federalism divides power between the national and state governments, while separation of powers delineates the responsibilities of each branch. However, checks and balances specifically address the concern of power accumulation within those branches, making it the most directly relevant principle regarding limiting governmental power. Judicial review allows the judiciary to interpret laws and their constitutionality, but it is the checks and balances that create the broader framework for limiting power across branches.