Which term describes the process of government ensuring that no one branch becomes too powerful?

The term that describes the process of government ensuring that no one branch becomes too powerful is checks and balances. This foundational principle is designed to allow each branch of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to limit the powers of the others. As a result, this system promotes cooperation and prevents any single branch from exercising unchecked power, ensuring a balance that protects democratic governance.

While federalism relates to the division of powers between the national and state governments, checks and balances specifically addresses how power is managed within the branches of national government. The separation of powers is closely related and refers to the distinct functions and responsibilities assigned to each branch, but it does not inherently include the mechanisms that regulate their interactions or limit power. Due process pertains more to legal procedures and the rights of individuals, rather than the distribution of governmental power.