Principles of Checks & Balances
Checks and balances refers to the system that prevents any single branch of the United States federal government from exercising too much power.
1 History
The checks and balances system originated in the United States because of the abuses of power by both the British monarchs and later the state assemblies.
2 Effects
Each branch--executive, legislative and judicial--has a way to limit the power of the other branches. For example, the executive branch can veto laws passed by the legislative branch, but the legislative branch can override a veto with a 2/3 majority.
3 Benefits
By preventing any one branch from dominating the others, the system of checks and balances requires cooperation between the different branches of government.
4 Potential
The existence of the system of checks and balances often is enough to encourage cooperation. For example, Congress may not pass a bill because it realizes that the Supreme Court will rule it unconstitutional.
5 Drawbacks
Because of all of the checks and balances, the government can be slow to make decisions. The system encourages the potential for deadlock.
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