Checks and Balances of the United States Government

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The system of checks and balances in the United States government is exceptionally important in maintaining a balance within the three most powerful branches of government. The concept of checks and balances is that no one branch of government is able to get out of control without a neighboring branch of government having the power to intervene. Although the Constitution does not specifically reference a system called checks and balances, the instructions of how power is to be distributed is clearly defined. The three primary branches of government that are directly influenced by checks and balances are the Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, and Judicial Branch. Each of these branches has specific limitations and strategic override power making it essential that there is some form of cooperation and compromise. The interworking of this system is most apparent in the creation of laws. The Legislative Branch is headed by Congress, which includes the House and Senate. The primary task of the Legislative Branch is the creation and passing of laws. Typically, the Legislative Branch w...

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