The state leaders sought to form a powerful, yet fair federal government that protected individual liberties. This is accomplished through the system of checks and balances. This simply means that the governmental powers are divided between separate and independent structures. Each of these structures can check the work of the other structures. In doing so, the power is balanced between all of the structures.The U.S. vice president serves as the head of the Senate but doesn't vote unless there is a tie. This is one example of how the executive branch can 'check' congressional powers. But Congress can check the president, too. For example, the Senate must approve presidential nominations to federal posts and must ratify all treaties by a two-thirds vote.
