collocation · academic
checks and balances
UK/ˌtʃeks ənd ˈbælən.sɪz/US/ˌtʃeks ənd ˈbælən·sɪz/CHECKS and BAL·an·ces
A system in which different branches of government limit each other's powers to prevent abuse.
Examples
“Strong checks and balances can stop one branch dominating the state.”
“Judicial review is an important element of checks and balances.”
“When checks and balances are weakened, corruption and abuse may increase.”
Band 8 sentence
“Effective checks and balances, including judicial review and legislative oversight, are essential to prevent the concentration of power.”
Collocations
- maintain checks and balances
- undermine checks and balances
- ensure checks and balances
Word family
Common mistakes
checks & balances→checks and balances
check and balance→checks and balances
Say it for a higher band
5balance of power→6system of checks→7+checks and balances
Synonyms
balance of power
Easily confused
separation of powers
“The constitution establishes a clear separation of powers among the legislature, executive and judiciary.”
Related words
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In Society & Government
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