How does the system of checks and balances protect against an abuse of power by any one branch of the national government? * 3 points Captionless Image Each of the three branches of the national government limits power of the other two branches. The Constitution of the United States defines the structure of the national government. Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution defines the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches Legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the national government are distributed.