Final answer:
Checks and balances is the theory of governmental power and functions whereby each branch of the government has the ability to counter the actions of any other branch so that no single branch can control the entire government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Checks and balances is the theory of governmental power and functions whereby each branch of the government has the ability to counter the actions of any other branch so that no single branch can control the entire government. It is a system of separation of powers that prevents the aggregation of power in the hands of any one branch of government. This system encourages cooperation among the branches and ensures that no one branch wields too much power over the others.