What stops a branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The system of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—has specific powers and responsibilities that allow it to monitor and limit the actions of the others. For instance, Congress can pass laws, but the president can veto them, and the judiciary can rule laws unconstitutional. This interdependence promotes accountability and prevents any branch from overstepping its authority.