What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The concept of separating powers is fundamental to the structure of the U.S. government and is designed to prevent any one branch from dominating the others. This framework divides government responsibilities among three separate branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has distinct powers and functions, which helps ensure that each remains independent and can check the actions of the others.

While checks and balances are indeed crucial in enabling the branches to monitor and regulate one another's powers, it is the separation of powers that serves as the foundational principle ensuring that no single branch can monopolize authority. By having separate roles, such as Congress making laws, the President enforcing them, and the courts interpreting them, the risk of tyranny is minimized, promoting a system of governance that fosters accountability and prevents abuse of power.