What is the mechanism that allows one branch of government to influence the activities of another branch?

The concept of checks and balances is a foundational principle of the U.S. government, designed to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful. This mechanism allows each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—to monitor and limit the actions of the others. For example, the legislative branch has the authority to pass laws, but those laws can be vetoed by the executive branch. Alternatively, the judicial branch can review laws and executive actions for their constitutionality. This interplay creates a system of accountability and ensures that each branch must cooperate and negotiate with the others to implement policies or enforce laws effectively.

Other options, while important aspects of governance, do not directly illustrate this mechanism of influence among branches. Veto power specifically refers to the executive's ability to reject legislation, separation of powers outlines the distinct roles of each branch, and judicial review pertains to the courts' ability to evaluate the legality of actions taken by the other branches. Each of these plays a significant role in governance, but checks and balances directly refers to the mutual oversight and influence branches exert over one another.