Checks and Balances

These departments were separated from each other as far as possible, cooperating when necessary. Checks were placed upon each, preventing anyone from becoming absolute or despotic. They were likewise balanced against each other in such a manner as to preserve the equilibrium of government : States are balanced against the Central Government; House of Representatives is balanced against the Senate; Senate is balanced against the House of Representatives; executive authority is balanced by the legislative; legislative department is balanced by the executive; judiciary is balanced against the legislative, executive, and State governments; Senate is balanced against the President in all appointment to offices and all treaties; people hold a balance against their own representatives through periodical elections. Among the curbs and restrictions on the powers of the Central Government, the strongest checks are: Establishment of a smaller legislative body with less changing personnel and longer terms based on equality of representation, having coordinate legislative authority, with the exception of revenue bills, which originate in the House of Representatives, and treaties and appointments, which are committed to the President and the Senate; the public sentiment of an intelligent and conservative people; popular elections; short terms of office.