Checks And Balances Definition

The checks and balances definition is a system that requires each branch of an organization having regulatory authority over another. A checks and balance system may be in place in a company, but the system is most commonly known for its use in the United States government and the three branches, the executive, legislative and judicial, that must adhere to the checks and balances guidelines.  

The legislative branch of the United States government consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch of the government makes laws and debates their merits in the House and Senate.  Either the executive branch or the office of the President and the judicial branch or the courts controls the branches of government. The president has the ability to veto any law the legislative branch passes through the House and Senate. The courts have the ability to declare the created laws unconstitutional as well.

Checks and balances controls the judicial branch of the United States in two ways. The office of the President nominates the judges that make up the judiciary and the legislative branch must approve those nominations. The legislative branch may also remove judges from office as well.

The office of the President, the cabinet departments and executive departments make up the executive branch of the United States government. Both the legislative branch and the judiciary control the acts of the executive branch. The legislative branch can override a presidential veto and remove the president from office. In addition, the legislative branch has control over the budget, which is necessary to fund executive acts. The judiciary has the authority to declare any executive acts unconstitutional.

The checks and balances protect the country by removing complete control from any one branch of the government. The founding fathers of the United States instituted a system of checks and balances to prevent a tyrannical government from imposing its will on the citizens.