17. controls given to one branch of government to limit the power of another branch are known as a. appellate jurisdiction. b. popular sovereignty. c. checks and balances. d. basic rights.

The correct answer is C. Checks and balances. The Checks and balances system is crucial for constitutional and tripartite governments. Since it allows for the different branches of a government (judiciary, executive and legislative power) to share and control their power. It prevents the risk of power centralization and defines the specific duties each branch government has to fulfill.