Importance of checks and balances in American government

During those hot months in the summer of 1787, the founding fathers had a problem. They had to create a government that not only ensured the well-being of its people but also to fairly represent them without corruption. Therefore, they divided the main governmental powers into three branches, each independent of the other. However, to prevent one from becoming too strong, each branch had to have checks over the others. While this violates the key principle …

…people themselves. By involving the people in the political process, they become a check unto themselves, thrusting liability of the government from those in power to the people. Works Cited: Madison, James. The Federalist Papers #51. New York City, 1788. "Power Corrupts; Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely." Phrases.Org. 25 Apr. 2006 <http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/288200.html>. "The Declaration of Independence." 24 Apr. 2006 <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm>.