Separation of powers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In summary, the system of checks and balances is the seperation of the powers of state into three branches - Legislative, Judicial and Executive. Each branch of government has its own responsibilities, and each depend on the other two in order to be able to do things.
For example the executive branch headed up by the president can be impeached by the legislature, laws passed by the Legislature can be vetoed by the Executive (the president) and can only be enforced via the Judiciary.