The principle of checks and balances is one where the writers of the Constitution wanted to be sure no branch of government could become too powerful. Thus, there are actions each branch of government can take to control the other branches.
There are many examples of checks and balances. Congress can pass a law, but the President can control that power by vetoing the law. If the President vetoes the law, the law may not go into effect. The President can veto a law, but Congress can control that power by overriding the veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress. If Congress overrides the veto, the law takes effect. The President can nominate a Supreme Court justice, but the Senate can limit that power by not confirming the person who was appointed. Congress can pass a law, but the courts can limit that power by declaring the law unconstitutional. The House of Representatives can impeach the President and the judges if they break the law. If impeachment occurs, the Senate will try the official to see if that person would be removed from his or her position.
The idea behind the system of checks and balances is to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful.
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