What is the purpose of checks and balances in government?

The purpose of checks and balances in government is to ensure that no single branch exceeds its authority. This system is designed to prevent any one branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—from gaining too much power, thereby protecting the rights of citizens and maintaining a balance of power among the branches. Each branch has specific powers and can exercise control over the other branches, which fosters accountability and requires cooperation.

For example, the legislative branch can make laws, but the executive branch has the power to veto legislation, while the judicial branch can rule laws unconstitutional. This interplay ensures that all branches must work together and that no individual branch can unilaterally impose its will, which upholds democratic principles and safeguards against tyranny. The other options suggest outcomes that contradict the fundamental purpose of checks and balances, such as centralizing power or streamlining processes, which would undermine the very essence of a balanced government.