The separation of powers was the first step to limiting power for one branch. The US built up their government based on the British, in which they had their version of Parliament, called Congress, the Federal Judge, or supreme court judge (as well as others, but we are focusing on the supreme court), as well as the executive branch, which is the President.
The next step was "checks and balances", which ensured that no one branch can be too powerful. The US president can veto Congress's legislation, Congress can override the veto, they can also impeach the president. The Supreme Court can rule laws unconstitutional, and change the laws based on what they think is constitutional.
Yes, women were active in during the American Revolution. There was a group of women named the Daughters of Liberty to operated similarly to the Sons of Liberty. They also did the Edenton Tea party which inspired the Boston tea party.
