What is "checks and balances"?

Checks and balances refer to the constitutional design that ensures no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate or abuse its power. This system is fundamental to the functioning of a democracy as it creates a framework where each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, as well as the ability to oversee and limit the functions of the others. For example, legislative bodies can create laws, but the executive branch can veto them; however, the legislative branch can override a veto. Meanwhile, the judiciary can interpret laws and check both branches by ruling on the constitutionality of their actions. This dynamic makes it possible to maintain a balance of power and protect the rights of citizens by preventing any branch from becoming too powerful or acting without accountability.

The other options do not adequately capture the essence of checks and balances. Coordinating government agencies, electing officials, and allocating budgets are important functions within a governmental system, but they do not address the fundamental principle of power distribution and oversight that checks and balances specifically entails.