Which mechanism is central to preventing tyranny in the American system?

• A. Divine right
• B. Checks and balances
• C. Absolute authority of the executive
• D. Centralized power in the legislature

Answer: (B)

Checks and balances is the mechanism that keeps any one part of the government from becoming dominant by requiring cooperation and oversight across the branches. In the American system, power is separated into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each able to limit the others. Legislative acts can be checked by the veto or veto override, judicial review, and the power to impeach and remove. The President’s nominees require Senate confirmation, and the judiciary can strike down laws and executive actions that overstep constitutional bounds. This interplay creates incentives to compromise, because aggressive moves by one branch are likely to be slowed or blocked by another, preventing the emergence of tyranny. Divine right is an older monarchical idea not part of this framework. Absolute authority of the executive would concentrate power and erode liberties. Centralized power in the legislature would fail to protect individual rights and would break the balance designed to prevent tyranny.