What is the system that allows various branches of government to exercise controls over one another called?

The system that facilitates various branches of government exercising controls over one another is known as Checks and Balances. This principle is crucial in a democratic governance structure as it ensures that no single branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate the functions of government or exercise unchecked power. Each branch has the means to limit the powers of the others; for instance, the executive can veto legislation passed by the legislative branch, while the judicial branch can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

The concept helps maintain equilibrium within the government, encouraging collaboration and accountability, and upholding the rule of law. It plays a significant role in preventing abuses of power and promotes a balanced governance structure that can adapt and respond effectively to the needs of society. In contrast, while the separation of powers outlines the distinct functions of each branch, it is the checks and balances that actively define their interactions and limitations. Judicial review pertains to the courts' ability to assess the legality of laws and executive actions, while federalism deals with the distribution of power between national and regional governments, neither of which directly describes the mechanism of mutual control among branches.