What are checks and balances?

Checks and balances refer to a fundamental principle in the structure of government that ensures no one branch becomes too powerful or overreaches its authority. This system is designed to maintain a balance of power among the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has the ability to monitor and limit the actions of the others, creating a framework that encourages accountability and prevents potential abuse of power.

For example, the legislative branch can create laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto them. Meanwhile, the judicial branch can rule laws unconstitutional, thus protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring that all government actions adhere to the Constitution. This interaction creates a dynamic system where power is distributed and subject to scrutiny, reinforcing the rule of law and the principle of accountability.

In other contexts, the other options do not accurately describe checks and balances. The process of appointing judges, while related to the judiciary's role, does not encompass the broader mechanism of oversight among branches. Similarly, the ability of one branch to override another may describe a specific power but lacks the comprehensive intent of the checks and balances framework. Finally, altering the Constitution is a significant process that involves multiple steps and branches, but it is not directly tied to the concept of