What does the term "checks and balances" refer to?

The term "checks and balances" refers to the system designed to ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful. This foundational principle is embedded in the structure of the U.S. government, which is divided into three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and they can limit and scrutinize each other’s actions.

For instance, while Congress (the legislative branch) has the power to pass laws, the President (the executive branch) has the authority to veto legislation, thus preventing Congress from overreaching its power. Conversely, Congress can also impeach the President and remove them from office if necessary. This reciprocal oversight ensures that power is balanced across the branches and that no single branch can dominate or misuse its authority.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of checks and balances. The notion of ensuring all branches work equally does not reflect the intent of the system, as it emphasizes the power and independence of each branch rather than equality. Appointing leaders is part of the processes involved within the government but does not represent checks and balances specifically. Lastly, while ensuring judicial independence is important, it is only one aspect of the broader checks and balances framework that applies to all branches