What is the system of checks and balances?

The system of checks and balances is a foundational principle of the United States government designed to prevent any one branch from accumulating excessive power. In this system, the government is divided into three distinct branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has its own set of powers and responsibilities, but they are also granted specific authority to limit the powers of the other branches.

For example, the legislative branch has the power to create laws, but the executive branch (the president) has the authority to veto those laws. Meanwhile, the judicial branch has the power to interpret laws and can declare them unconstitutional if they do not adhere to the Constitution. This interplay ensures that no single branch can assert dominance and that they must work together while holding each other accountable. It is this careful balance that protects the democratic process and safeguards individual liberties.