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checks and balances
Definition of checks and balances
: a system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
First Known Use of checks and balances
1787
Other Government and Politics Terms
CHECKS AND BALANCES Defined for English Language Learners
checks and balances
Definition of checks and balances for English Language Learners
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: a system in which the different parts of an organization (such as a government) have powers that affect and control the other parts so that no part can become too powerful
Law Dictionary
checks and balances
Legal Definition of checks and balances
: the powers (as judicial review, the presidential veto, and the congressional override) conferred on each of the three branches of government by which each restrains the others from exerting too much power — see also separation of powers
Learn More about checks and balances
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about checks and balances
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