What does the principle of checks and balances ensure?

The principle of checks and balances is a fundamental aspect of the United States government, designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system ensures that the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—can scrutinize and limit each other's powers and actions. For example, while the President can veto legislation passed by Congress, Congress can override that veto with a sufficient majority. Similarly, the judiciary can review laws and executive actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution.

By distributing power and creating mechanisms for oversight, checks and balances promote accountability and protect individual freedoms. This principle is crucial to maintaining a democratic system, where power is not concentrated in a single entity or position, which could lead to tyranny. Therefore, this understanding of checks and balances affirms that no branch of government can unilaterally control decisions or operations, safeguarding the framework of democracy and governance.