What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• A. To limit the power of the military
• B. To ensure that one branch of government does not dominate the others
• C. To promote international trade
• D. To create a stronger executive branch

Answer: (B)

The purpose of the system of checks and balances is to ensure that one branch of government does not dominate the others. This principle is fundamental to the structure of the United States government as established in the Constitution, where the powers are divided among three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, as well as the ability to monitor and limit the functions of the others. For example, the executive branch can veto legislation passed by the legislative branch, while the legislative branch has the power to override that veto. Additionally, the judicial branch can declare laws passed by the legislative branch or actions taken by the executive branch unconstitutional. This dynamic creates a balance of power, ensuring that decisions are made collectively and that no single branch can exercise unchecked authority. In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary intent of the checks and balances system. Limiting military power is not a specific function of this system, promoting international trade falls outside its scope, and creating a stronger executive branch contradicts the very goal of balancing power among all branches.

The purpose of the system of checks and balances is to ensure that one branch of government does not dominate the others. This principle is fundamental to the structure of the United States government as established in the Constitution, where the powers are divided among three branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, as well as the ability to monitor and limit the functions of the others.

For example, the executive branch can veto legislation passed by the legislative branch, while the legislative branch has the power to override that veto. Additionally, the judicial branch can declare laws passed by the legislative branch or actions taken by the executive branch unconstitutional. This dynamic creates a balance of power, ensuring that decisions are made collectively and that no single branch can exercise unchecked authority.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary intent of the checks and balances system. Limiting military power is not a specific function of this system, promoting international trade falls outside its scope, and creating a stronger executive branch contradicts the very goal of balancing power among all branches.