Why do we have a system of checks and balances?

Answer 1

The Founding Fathers came from England, a country which had been ruled by a monarchy for centuries. They knew the dangers of having too much power concentrated in the hands of one person or one governing body. In order to ensure that no one branch of government wielded too much power, they incorporated a system of checks and balances among the 3 branches of government, the Executive, Legislative and Judicial. So the system that the Founding Fathers devised was intended to be a government with restrictions on what they were and, more importantly, were NOT allowed to do. The rules for each branch were laid out in the Constitution. So the Legislative branch creates law, the Executive branch (the President and VP) execute and enforce those laws and the Judicial branch what actions are legal and what actions are illegal. The Judiciary also makes sure that many of the protections afforded individuals in the Constitution are followed. Right to a speedy trial, right to a trial before a jury of one's peers as well as the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments. The Judicial branch is the only branch that is not elected by the citizens.

Answer 2

It depends on the government; not all governments have a system of checks and balances. In the case of the USA, the philosophy behind checks and balances is that each poliical branch will apply pressure to the other branches and prevent any one person or political party from completely controlling the United States.

Answer 3

We have this system of checks and balances because they make sure that no branch has the most power or has the power to boss around any other branches of the government.

Answer 4

To limit the power between the 3 branches of Government.

Answer 5

to make sure every branch of government is equal in power(balanced)

Answer 6

so states can pass their own laws