Question

in montesquieus belief in checks & balances
each branch of government makes its own rules and is allowed to operate by itself without another branches check on their power.
each branch of government checks the power of the other, limiting 1 or more branches from becoming too powerful, which balances out each branch

Explanation:

Montesquieu's checks - and - balances concept is about branches of government checking each other's power to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Answer:

The second option: Each branch of government checks the power of the other, limiting 1 or more branches from becoming too powerful, which balances out each branch.