checks and balances

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checks and balances

pl n
(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) government chiefly US competition and mutual restraint among the various branches of government
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

checks′ and bal′ances


n.pl.
limits imposed on all branches of a government by vesting in each branch the right to amend or void those acts of another that fall within its purview.
[1780–90]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
References in periodicals archive
as its leader and vowed to be a 'formidable checks and balance' in the lower chamber.
Rep. Abante as minority leader seen to 'uphold checks and balance' in House
Most recent accounting scandals stemmed from bad behavior and a lack of appropriate governance and systemic checks and balances. The resulting lack of trust has eroded investor confidence, and we've seen how it has brought down companies.
When crisis meets opportunity. (President's Page)
Implementing a clear system of oversight and checks and balances is a fundamental premise.
Executive Deferred Compensation balancing responsibilities. (Executive Compensation)
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