The system of checks and balances is referred to as the balance of power.

• A. Balance of power
• B. Separation of powers
• C. Federalism
• D. Popular sovereignty

Answer: (A)

Balance of power is the idea that government powers are kept in equilibrium by giving each branch the means to limit the others. The system of checks and balances creates this balance by design: the legislature makes laws but the executive can veto them, and Congress can override a veto with enough votes; the judiciary can strike down laws or actions as unconstitutional, providing a check on both branches. Appointments to the judiciary often require Senate approval, adding another layer of accountability. This ongoing interbranch constraint prevents any one part of government from becoming dominant.

The other terms describe related concepts but not the exact idea in question: separation of powers is the structural division of government into three branches; federalism deals with power division between national and state governments; popular sovereignty is the principle that the people hold ultimate authority.