What is the function of checks and balances?

• A. It ensures all branches have equal legislative power.
• B. It assigns the President power to veto without limits.
• C. It allows the Supreme Court to veto bills.
• D. Each branch can limit the others' powers to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Answer: (D)

Checks and balances keep government power from concentrating in one branch by giving each branch tools to limit the others. This system means the legislative, executive, and judicial branches each have ways to check the actions of the others, so no single branch can dominate. For example, the President can veto laws, but Congress can override that veto with a two‑thirds vote in both houses. The Supreme Court can strike down laws or executive actions that don’t align with the Constitution. Members of the Senate confirm presidential appointments and the House and Senate can impeach and remove leaders. Together, these interactions prevent any one branch from getting too powerful and protect the principles of the Constitution.