What are checks and balances?

Checks and balances refer to a fundamental principle in the structure of government that ensures that no single branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—can dominate or exert excessive power over the others. This system is designed to maintain a balance of power and protect against tyranny. Each branch has the authority to limit the powers of the other branches in various ways, such as through vetoes, judicial reviews, and the ability to confirm or reject appointments.

By distributing power across different branches, checks and balances create a framework that requires cooperation and compromise among branches of government, promoting accountability and transparency in governance. This system serves to safeguard democracy and protect citizens' rights by preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful and acting against the interests of the public.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of checks and balances. Funding government operations relates more to budgetary processes, individual liberties pertain to civil rights and freedoms, and the election of representatives involves democratic processes rather than the separation of powers.