What are checks and balances designed to do?

Checks and balances are a fundamental principle of the United States government designed to ensure that no single branch of government (executive, legislative, or judicial) can exert excessive power over the others. This framework was established to create a system of mutual regulation, where each branch has specific powers that can counterbalance the others. For example, the executive branch can veto legislation, the legislative branch can impeach officials, and the judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional. This interdependency promotes accountability and prevents any branch from becoming too powerful, protecting democratic governance and individual liberties.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the purpose of checks and balances. Establishing state law as superior would undermine the federal system and go against the notion of checks and balances that promotes equality among different levels of government. Promoting the military over civil authority does not reflect the balance intended between civilian governance and military power. Lastly, while limiting the power of the judiciary might seem desirable in some contexts, checks and balances aim to prevent any branch, including the judiciary, from becoming too dominant rather than limiting its authority per se.