Checks and balances were established to ensure what within the U.S. government?

Checks and balances were established to ensure the separation and limitation of powers within the U.S. government. This principle is rooted in the Founding Fathers' desire to prevent any one branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—from gaining too much power and becoming tyrannical. By creating a system where each branch has specific powers and the ability to check the actions of the others, the framers built a foundation for a balanced government that preserves individual freedoms and maintains order. This mechanism is vital for upholding democracy, as it encourages cooperation and accountability among the different branches, ensuring that no single branch can operate unchecked.

The emphasis on separation and limitation of powers provides a framework that is critical for maintaining a government that truly serves the public and protects against abuse of power.