What is the theory that allows each branch of government to counter the actions of another branch?

The concept of checks and balances is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic government, particularly in preventing any one branch from gaining too much power. Each branch of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—has the authority to limit the powers of the other branches. This ensures that power is distributed and that different branches must work in concert, rather than allowing one branch to operate independently or dominate the others.

For instance, the legislative branch can pass laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto them, while the judicial branch can review laws for constitutionality. This interdependence creates a system of mutual oversight, requiring cooperation and compromise, thereby promoting a balance of power.

This answer is distinctly different from the concept of separation of powers, which refers to the division of responsibilities among the branches themselves, rather than the mechanisms of oversight and limitation. The mention of three branches of government simply describes the structure rather than addressing the relationships among them. Similarly, the separation of church and state pertains to religious influence in government and does not relate to the dynamics of governmental authority.