The ability of one branch of government to prevent another branch from exceeding its constitutional power is known as checks and balances.
The system of check and balances ensures that no one person or department has absolute control over decisions.
Explanation of the meaning of the term check and balances in government is the following: the legislative branch is the part of the government that makes laws, but the executive branch gives veto power to the president allowing the president to keep the legislative branch in check.