Checks and balances are vital in safeguarding democracy by ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. This system divides authority among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, allowing each to monitor and limit the others' actions. By requiring cooperation and consent among branches, checks and balances promote accountability and transparency. This framework empowers citizens to challenge governmental overreach and protects individual rights and freedoms. Ultimately, robust checks and balances foster public trust in democratic systems, reinforcing the principle that government power originates from the consent of the governed.