Which principle of the Constitution focuses on balancing governmental powers?

The principle that focuses on balancing governmental powers is checks and balances. This principle is designed to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, as each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—has the ability to limit the powers of the others. This system creates a framework wherein each branch can monitor and restrain the actions of the others, fostering a balance of authority that is essential for the functioning of a democratic government.

Checks and balances were established by the framers of the Constitution to prevent any one branch from exerting undue influence or control. For instance, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, and the judicial branch can review laws to ensure they comply with the Constitution. This interaction helps maintain a balance of power and protects against tyranny.

In contrast, federalism refers to the division of power between the national and state governments, which is another important aspect of the Constitution, but it does not specifically address the balance among the three branches of government. Limited government emphasizes that the government has restrictions on its power to protect individual rights, while separation of powers distributes governmental functions among the three branches but does not inherently include the mechanisms for balancing those powers as effectively as checks and balances does.