Definition of Checks and Balances
The system of checks and balances extends the restrictions established by the separation of powers. Each branch of government has the built in authority and responsibility to restrain the power of the other two branches. This system makes government less efficient but also prevents tyranny by one branch of government.
Here is a list of examples of how Checks and Balances are applied today
- Political officials can be impeached or removed from power
- Allows branches to veto and over ride laws and acts
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Checks and Balances over time...
Royal Colonies (1624-1775)
- From the royal colonies most things were run by the king but out of this things can also be seen as how checks and balances could be used. Two examples that can be drawn from these colonies system was LAW MUST BE PASSED BY GOVERNOR AND CROWN and GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL MUST APPOINT JUDGES. These show checks and balances because allowing the king and governor to review laws before passed prevents things from slipping by that could hurt the colony. As well with governors and council members having the only power to appoint judges helps them by electing people they best trust to be judges and will have strict watch over them so they dont abuse there power.
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Albany Plan (1754)
- During the struggle of harsh taxes and rising resentment to the royal crown Benjamin franklin suggested the albany plan to unify the colonies as one force or suffer separately. One example from this action was how COLONIES WOULD MEET TO DICUSS PROBLEMS. This can be classified as a step to checks and balances because although the colonies had separate issues they would all gather as one to review such issues and give support. They would check to make sure the state of colony and work to improve it but the balance system cant really be applied to this term.
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Virginia Plan (1787)
- In 1787 a large council discussed and addressed several issues occurring within the nation and from this three things can be pulled as examples of how checks and balances were implemented. COUNCIL OF REVISION COULD VETO ACTS OF CONGRESS as well as CONGRESS COULD OVERRIDE THE VETO and lastly CONGRESS COULD VETO ANY STARE LAW THAT CONFLICTED NATIONAL LAW. These are all solid examples of checks and balances at its best. The power of the council to veto acts from congress was to prevent unjust acts being passed easily but rather going threw a review by other piers. This also connects for the other side as congress could override the councils decision if they see it as wrong.
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