Define the concept of checks and balances.

The concept of checks and balances refers to a fundamental principle in the structure of the U.S. government designed to prevent any one branch from gaining excessive power. This system creates a framework in which the three branches of government—the legislative, executive, and judicial—can monitor and limit each other’s actions.

This ensures that powers are distributed and balanced among the branches, fostering a form of accountability and reducing the risk of tyranny. For example, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch has the power to veto those laws, and the judicial branch can rule them unconstitutional. By allowing each branch to check the powers of the others, the system helps maintain stability and protects democratic governance.

The other options do not correctly represent the concept of checks and balances. Free trade policies pertain to economic strategies and international relations, resolving legal disputes involves judicial processes, and frameworks for local government operations describes administrative structures rather than the interplay of powers among government branches.