What is the main purpose of the checks and balances system in the U.S. government?

The main purpose of the checks and balances system in the U.S. government is to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system is designed to ensure that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government can each exercise control over the others, thereby maintaining a balance of power.

By giving each branch distinct powers and the ability to check the actions of the other branches, the framers of the Constitution aimed to avoid the concentration of power that could lead to tyranny or abuse. For instance, while Congress has the power to make laws, the President can veto legislation, and the courts can rule laws unconstitutional. This dynamic interaction among the branches serves to safeguard democracy and protect individual rights by creating a system of accountability and cooperation among the different branches of government.