Which term describes the arrangement in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the others?

• A. Federalism
• B. Checks and Balances
• C. Judicial Review
• D. Popular Sovereignty

Answer: (B)

Checks and balances is the idea that keeps each branch from getting too powerful by giving the others ways to limit its actions. This means the legislative, executive, and judicial branches each have tools to restrain the others, creating a system of mutual accountability. For example, the legislative branch can pass laws, but the executive can veto them; that veto can be overridden by a sufficient majority in Congress. The executive appoints federal judges, but their choices must be confirmed by the Senate, and the courts can strike down laws or actions they find unconstitutional. This interplay helps prevent any one branch from dominating and protects people’s rights. While federalism, judicial review, and popular sovereignty are important ideas in U.S. history, the specific arrangement that describes each branch limiting the others is checks and balances.