Legal Definitions - checks and balances

Checks and balances is a system in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches. This ensures that no one branch has too much power and can control the entire government.

For example, the executive branch can veto a law passed by the legislative branch, but the legislative branch can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote. This means that the executive branch cannot make laws without the approval of the legislative branch.

Another example is the judicial branch, which can declare a law passed by the legislative branch unconstitutional. This means that the legislative branch cannot make laws that violate the Constitution.

Checks and balances is an important part of the United States government and helps to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.