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How does the United States Constitution establish a system of checks and balances?

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Constitution of the United States of America Original copy of the U.S. Constitution, housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

The United States Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances by dividing governmental power among three distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation of powers ensures that no single branch becomes too dominant.123

Key mechanisms include:
* Legislative Branch (Congress): Can impeach and remove the president and judges, override presidential vetoes, and must approve treaties and presidential appointments.14
* Executive Branch (President): Can veto legislation passed by Congress and appoint federal judges.14
* Judicial Branch (Courts): Can declare laws passed by Congress and actions taken by the executive branch unconstitutional through judicial review.14

These interconnected authorities allow each branch to limit the powers of the others, safeguarding liberty.13