Episode 11: Checks and Balances

In this episode of the American Founding, Dr. Cost explores the system of checks and balances that runs through the Constitution. It was not enough that the branches of government be separate from one another. Each must have the ability to defend itself from encroachments on its power. To develop this idea the Framers borrowed heavily from the ancient Roman Republic, which carefully balanced power between different factions to sustain itself for centuries.