Which government principle involves each branch limiting the powers of the others?

• A. Checks and balances
• B. Rule by decree
• C. Direct democracy
• D. Monarchy

Answer: (A)

Checks and balances is the idea that no one part of government can get too powerful because each branch has ways to limit the others. The legislative branch makes laws, but the executive can veto them, and Congress can override that veto with enough votes. The executive branch appoints judges, yet the legislative branch must approve those appointments. The judiciary can strike down laws or executive actions that go beyond the Constitution, providing a check on both lawmakers and the president. This setup keeps power distributed and prevents any one branch from dominating.

Other options describe different arrangements: ruling by decree concentrates power in a single leader; direct democracy involves citizens voting on laws themselves rather than through separate branches; and monarchy centers authority in a king or queen, not in balanced branches limiting one another.