Which branch serves as a watchdog for the other branches of government under constitutional principles?

The Supreme Court serves as a crucial watchdog for the other branches of government under constitutional principles primarily through its role in interpreting the Constitution and reviewing the constitutionality of laws and actions taken by the executive and legislative branches. This function, known as judicial review, allows the Supreme Court to ensure that laws passed by Congress and actions taken by the President comply with constitutional standards.

By exercising this power, the Supreme Court protects citizens' rights and limits government overreach, thus upholding the principles of checks and balances that are foundational to the U.S. political system. Through its rulings, the Court can effectively restrain the other branches of government when their actions may infringe upon individual rights or exceed the powers granted to them by the Constitution.

In this context, the roles of the other branches differ significantly. While Congress has legislative oversight responsibilities and can conduct investigations, it does not act as a neutral arbiter of constitutional compliance. The president, on the other hand, carries out laws and has executive powers but also operates within the boundaries set by the law. The bureaucracy, while essential for the administration of government functions, is not inherently tasked with monitoring the other branches. Thus, the Supreme Court stands out as the primary guardian of constitutional principles among the choices provided