Which principle is central to the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

The principle that is central to the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government is that power is divided among multiple branches. This framework is designed to prevent any single branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—from gaining too much power, thereby protecting against potential tyranny and abuse of authority.

Checks and balances ensure that each branch has specific powers that can influence and limit the functions of the others. For instance, the legislative branch can create laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, and the judiciary has the authority to interpret them. This dynamic encourages cooperation and accountability among the branches, fostering a system where power is exercised in a manner that is both fair and manageable.

The other options refer to important principles but do not directly address the mechanism of checks and balances as effectively. The idea of equal rights, limited government by law, and equitable taxes relate to broader democratic principles rather than the specific structural relationship among government branches. Thus, the division of power is the foundational element that truly defines checks and balances in the U.S. government.