What is the purpose of checks and balances in the government?

The purpose of checks and balances in the government is to maintain equal power among the branches. This system is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—has the ability to monitor and limit the actions of the others. This structure promotes accountability and helps protect individual rights and liberties by making sure that power is distributed and not concentrated in one area.

When one branch oversteps its authority or acts in a way that is not in alignment with the Constitution, the other branches have the means to check that power, whether through vetoes, judicial review, or the legislative process. This dynamic not only fosters cooperation among branches but also encourages a system of governance that is responsive to the needs and rights of citizens, reflecting the principle of separation of powers foundational to democratic governance.