Short-Circuiting

Happens when Resistance $R=0$ because the impedance given by $I=\frac{V}{R}$ would be $I=\frac{V}{0}=\infty$ theoretically, which is bad news and will definitely burn your little circuit.

To prevent this, simply do not let $R$ become 0 at any point; if the path from $V_{cc}$ to ground is straight with no resistance, you will get a short-circuit.