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

The purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government is fundamentally to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. This system is established by the Constitution and is designed to ensure that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government can monitor and limit each other's actions. By giving each branch specific powers and the ability to check the others, this framework creates a balanced distribution of authority that protects against the concentration of power, which could lead to tyranny or abuse.

For example, while Congress (the legislative branch) has the power to make laws, the President (the executive branch) has the authority to veto legislation, and the Supreme Court (the judicial branch) can determine the constitutionality of laws. This interplay means that no single branch can operate unilaterally without oversight or accountability from the others, thus maintaining a healthy balance of power within the federal government.