What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

The correct answer is checks and balances because this system is specifically designed to ensure that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate or exert excessive power over the others. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities that allow it to monitor and limit the actions of the others. For example, the executive branch can veto legislation passed by the legislative branch, while the legislative branch can override that veto with a sufficient majority. Additionally, the judicial branch has the power to interpret laws and can strike down laws deemed unconstitutional, further maintaining this balance. This interplay is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic government and safeguarding against tyranny.

The other options, such as eminent domain, bills of attainder, and the Electoral College, do not serve the same purpose. Eminent domain refers to the government's right to take private property for public use, which is unrelated to the distribution of powers among branches. Bills of attainder, which are laws that impose punishment without a trial, are prohibited in the U.S. Constitution as a protection of individual rights, but they do not address the separation of powers. The Electoral College is the mechanism established by the Constitution for electing the President, which is important for political processes but does not function to prevent any