Checks and balances are really important to keep any part of the U.S. government from getting too strong. Let’s break down how they work:

1. Separation of Powers: The government is split into three branches:

   • Legislative: This branch makes the laws.
   • Executive: This one makes sure the laws are followed.
   • Judicial: This branch decides what the laws mean.

2. Mutual Oversight: Each branch can check what the others do:

   • Legislative Check on Executive: If the President doesn’t agree with a law, Congress can still pass it if two-thirds of them vote in favor.
   • Executive Check on Legislative: The President can say no to laws that Congress wants to pass.
   • Judicial Check: The Supreme Court can say that a law isn’t allowed by the Constitution, which stops it from happening.

These rules help make sure power is shared and that the government is responsible and fair.