Limited government-this means that leaders have restrictions on their powers. This is to protect people's natural rights. The Constitution limits the U. S. government in two ways. One way is through separation of powers. The other way is through checks and balances. These ideas are related, but not the same!

Separation of powers-

Separation of powers is a doctrine of constitutional law under which the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) are kept separate. This is also known as the system of checks and balances, because each branch is given certain powers so as to check and balance the other branches.

Checks and balances, principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power. Checks and balances are applied primarily in constitutional governments.