What concept ensures that each branch of government is subject to checks and balances from other branches?

The correct choice, which emphasizes checks and balances, is foundational to the structure of the U.S. government as established by the Constitution. The concept of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can wield unchecked power. Each branch has specific mechanisms to limit the powers of the others, thus preventing any branch from becoming too powerful or abusing its authority.

For example, the legislative branch can create laws, but the executive branch has the authority to veto those laws. Conversely, the judiciary has the power to review laws and determine their constitutionality, providing a further check on both the legislative and executive branches. This system fosters accountability and encourages cooperation among branches, maintaining a balance that is crucial for the functioning of democracy.

While separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches, checks and balances specifically highlight the interactions and controls among them. Judicial oversight is a component of this system but does not encompass the entirety of the checks and balances concept. Confederation describes a different form of political organization that emphasizes unity among various entities rather than the internal control mechanisms within a single government structure.