Which document established the principle of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document that established the principle of checks and balances within the government. This system was designed to prevent any one branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—from becoming too powerful. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and they are designed to operate both independently and interdependently. For instance, the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces those laws, and the judicial branch interprets them.

Additionally, the Constitution includes mechanisms for each branch to check the powers of the others. For example, the president can veto legislation passed by Congress, while Congress can override that veto with a sufficient majority. The courts can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, thus checking both the legislative and executive branches. This intricate balance allows for accountability and prevents abuse of power, which is a cornerstone of American democracy. Other documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Bill of Rights, address different aspects of governance or rights but do not outline the structure and function of the government in terms of checks and balances.