what is the definition of checks and balances in the u s government 
in the u s government checks and balances refers to the separation of power in the government which is ensured through the establishment of three different branches the executive branch the judicial branch and the legislative branch all hold different powers and therefore can check the power of the other branches who created the idea of checks and balances the idea of checks and balances which is a separation of power was first proposed by the greek statesman polybius in reference to the government of ancient rome during the age of enlightenment french philosopher baron de montesquieu discussed in his work the spirit of laws the need for the separation of powers to prevent despotism 5