Which of the following accurately describes checks and balances?

Checks and balances is a fundamental principle in the structure of government, particularly in democratic systems like that of the United States. This system is designed to ensure that no branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can gain too much power or operate without accountability to the other branches.

By enabling each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others, checks and balances create a framework of power-sharing that prevents any one branch from becoming dominant. For instance, while the legislative branch has the power to make laws, the executive can veto those laws, and the judiciary can declare them unconstitutional. This interconnected oversight fosters a balance of power and protects the democratic process.

The other options provided do not accurately describe the concept of checks and balances. The notion of separate powers is relevant but does not capture the essential aspect of balance and oversight inherent to the system. Amending the Constitution is a separate process and does not pertain to checks among branches of government. Electing representatives focuses on the democratic process and not on the distribution and limitation of powers within government branches. Thus, the chosen answer precisely encapsulates the purpose and function of checks and balances.