The United States government was intentionally designed with balance in mind. Rather than concentrating power in one individual or institution, the framers of the Constitution created three separate but equal branches of government that work together to preserve democracy, protect liberty, and prevent tyranny. This system, known as “checks and balances,” remains one of the defining features of the American political system. Understanding how the legislative, executive, and judicial branches complement each other helps explain why the federal government functions...Click for full post