Inadequate system of political checks and balances

Uncontrolled executive branch action
Unaccountability in government
Non-accountability in government action
Unlawful government
Extra-legal government initiatives
Immunity of government initiatives from public scrutiny

Nature

An inadequate system of political checks and balances refers to a governmental structure where mechanisms designed to limit and balance the powers of different branches are weak, absent, or ineffective. This deficiency allows one branch—executive, legislative, or judicial—to dominate, undermining accountability and enabling abuses of power. Such imbalance can erode democratic principles, hinder transparency, and reduce public trust in institutions. Without robust checks and balances, corruption, authoritarianism, and policy failures become more likely, threatening the stability and fairness of governance. Addressing this problem is essential for maintaining the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.

Background

The global significance of inadequate political checks and balances emerged prominently during the 20th century, as authoritarian regimes and single-party states exposed the dangers of unchecked power. Landmark events, such as the rise of totalitarian governments and subsequent democratic transitions, highlighted systemic vulnerabilities. International organizations and watchdogs increasingly documented these deficiencies, prompting widespread calls for institutional reforms. Scholarly analysis and comparative studies have since deepened understanding of how weak oversight mechanisms threaten governance worldwide.

Incidence

Between 1798 and 1970, USA presidents sent troops into imminent hostilities or transferred arms or other war material abroad without congressional authorization, contrary to the constitutional requirement that Congress alone has the right to declare war. Following the Iran-contra scandal in the USA, the independent prosecutor's report demonstrated in 1994 that those involved at the highest levels of government, including the attorney-general and a national security adviser, attempted to conceal their roles and obstruct official investigations. The report drew attention to serious flaws in government systems of accountability which allowed a constitutional crisis to occur. The report concluded that the then president created the conditions which made possible the crimes committed by others in his administration, including the circumvention of congressional bans, and permitted the creation of a false account of the arms sales to be disseminated to the members of Congress and to the American people. It records a pattern of illicit activity from destruction of evidence to perjury to personal graft. The report demonstrated that present political systems of checks and balances are fallible and in urgent need of reform.

Claim

An inadequate system of political checks and balances is a grave threat to democracy and justice. Without robust oversight, power becomes dangerously concentrated, enabling corruption, abuse, and the erosion of citizens’ rights. History proves that unchecked authority leads to tyranny and societal decay. We must urgently address this deficiency, or risk losing the very foundations of fair governance and accountability. Ignoring this problem is not just irresponsible—it is perilous for our future.