What is the primary function of the checks and balances system in the U.S. government?

The primary function of the checks and balances system in the U.S. government is to ensure that one branch does not overpower another. This system was established by the Constitution to maintain a balance of power between the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has specific powers and the ability to limit the actions of the others, thereby preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful or acting independently of the others.

For instance, the legislative branch has the power to create laws, but the executive branch, which has the authority to enforce those laws, can veto them. Similarly, the judicial branch can review laws passed by the legislative branch and executive actions for constitutionality. This interplay ensures that power is distributed and that each branch can act as a check on the others, promoting accountability and protecting individual rights.

While other answers touch on specific interactions between branches, they do not encapsulate the broader purpose of the checks and balances system, which is the holistic prevention of power concentration.