Checks and Balances
-
Checks and balances ensure that power is divided across different branches and institutions of government so no single body can exercise unchecked authority. By requiring each branch to limit, review, or oversee the others, this principle protects against the abuse of power and supports accountable, lawful government.
Key Concepts
Separation of powers - Legislative, executive, and judicial functions are divided so each branch has distinct responsibilities and limits.
Mutual oversight - Each branch can review, question, or restrain the actions of the others, preventing unilateral or arbitrary decision‑making.
Judicial review - Courts can interpret legislation, resolve disputes, and ensure government actions comply with the law.
Parliamentary scrutiny - Parliament examines executive action through committees, questioning, debates, and accountability mechanisms.
Executive accountability - Ministers must answer to Parliament and can be removed for misconduct or loss of confidence.
Rule‑of‑law protection - Checks and balances help ensure that power is exercised lawfully, transparently, and in the public interest.
Explore Related Topics
-
The Separation of Powers
Explore resources on the separation of powers, explaining how separating power maintains checks on government through independent institutions, defined functions and accountability.
-
Open and Free Criticism
Explore resources on open and free criticism of law & government, showing how scrutiny of institutions strengthens accountability and supports a rule‑of‑law culture.
-
Independent and Impartial Judiciary
Explore resources on an open, independent and impartial judiciary, including the history of the Supreme Court and its role in delivering fair justice with transparency, and accountability.