What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution?

The system of checks and balances is a foundational principle embedded in the U.S. Constitution designed to prevent any single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—from accumulating too much power. This mechanism ensures that the branches can monitor and limit each other's actions, creating a balance of authority.

For instance, while the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch has the power to veto those laws. Conversely, the judicial branch can rule laws unconstitutional, thereby checking the powers of both the legislative and executive branches. This interplay is crucial in promoting accountability and preventing tyranny, reflecting the framers' fears of concentrated power in any one branch.

This framework aims to encourage cooperation and compromise among branches while protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law. It is an essential aspect of American democracy, ensuring that power is distributed and not easily abused.