What is the intended outcome of the checks and balances system?

The checks and balances system is a fundamental principle in the U.S. Constitution designed to prevent any one branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—from gaining too much power. By ensuring that each branch has the ability to monitor and limit the actions of the others, this system aims to protect the democratic foundations of the government and uphold individual rights.

For example, the legislative branch can pass laws, but the executive has the power to veto those laws. Meanwhile, the judicial branch can rule laws unconstitutional. This interdependence creates a dynamic where power is distributed, thereby reducing the risk of tyranny and ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people.

The other choices, while important in their own right, do not accurately capture the primary intention of the checks and balances system. More laws being passed, a stable economy, and greater public engagement in politics may be byproducts of a well-functioning government, but they are not the system's primary goal. The essence of checks and balances lies in safeguarding against potential abuses of power, thereby ensuring the integrity and fairness of the government.