What does the principle of checks and balances provide for within the government?

The principle of checks and balances is designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. It is rooted in the separation of powers, which divides government responsibilities into distinct branches—typically the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own specific powers and operates independently, while also possessing the ability to check the powers of the other branches.

This system is crucial for preventing any branch from overstepping its authority or exercising power in a way that could threaten democratic governance. For example, the legislative branch makes laws, the executive enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. If one branch attempts to exceed its powers, the others can intervene to restore balance. Thus, the correct answer relates directly to the foundational idea that in a government structured around checks and balances, power is both divided and balanced among separate branches to ensure accountability and fairness in governance.