Why was a system of checks and balances created?

Answer 1

A system of checks and balances divides power and responsibilities between several groups or people to prevent the abuse of power by one person or group. For example, in the United States the Legislative branch passes laws which must be approved and implemented by the Executive branch, and finally the Judicial branch has the power to declare laws either Constitutional or not. Many businesses use checks and balances to ensure that their finances are handled correctly.

Answer 2

There is no exact date, when the concept of checks & balances can be said to have been 'created'. The first political systems to explicitly state the necessity of checks & balances were the US Constitution and the constitution of the 1st French Republic.

The intellectual basis for both constitutions comes from prominent Enlightment thinkers such as john Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseault and Voltaire.

Answer 3

The short answer is so that one branch of government doesn't become more powerful than the others.