What is the principle of checks and balances?

The principle of checks and balances is fundamental to the structure of the U.S. government, established by the Constitution to prevent any one branch from gaining excessive power. This system ensures that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches can monitor and limit each other's functions and powers.

For example, while Congress (the legislative branch) has the authority to make laws, the President (the executive branch) can veto legislation, thereby preventing Congress from enacting a law without further negotiation. Additionally, the judiciary has the power to interpret laws and can rule legislation or executive actions as unconstitutional, effectively checking the power of both Congress and the President.

This reciprocal oversight helps to maintain a balance of power, safeguarding against tyranny and ensuring that all branches remain accountable to each other and to the citizens. This principle is a cornerstone of American democracy and illustrates how the framers of the Constitution intended to create a system where power is distributed and regulated among various government entities.