Final answer:
The US Constitution employs the separation of powers to limit the central government, with the principle of checks and balances providing each branch some control over the others to prevent the concentration of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Core Principle of Separation of Powers
The core principle best describing how the US Constitution limits the central government by distributing power across the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is known as the separation of powers. This, combined with checks and balances, ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful. The legislative branch, sometimes referred to as the "people's branch," is responsible for making laws and is intended to reflect the will of the citizens. The executive branch is tasked with enforcing these laws while the judicial branch interprets and applies the law through judicial review.
Article I, Section 8, and Article II, Sections 2 and 3 of the Constitution clearly outline the specific powers and functions of Congress and the president. Additionally, the judicial branch has evolved to have significant influence in governing the country, showing the dynamic nature of these principles at work.
Through the strategic allocation of functions and the requirement of cooperation, the Constitution ensures a balance of power where each branch can restrict the powers of the others, preserving democracy and federalism in the United States.