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 or leader to dominate, undermining accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. As a result, it increases the risk of authoritarianism, corruption, and abuse of power, while diminishing public trust and the protection of citizens’ rights. Such a problem often leads to poor governance, limited political pluralism, and challenges in upholding democratic principles within a state or organization.

Background

The global significance of inadequate political checks and balances emerged prominently in the 20th century, as authoritarian regimes exploited weak institutional oversight to consolidate power. Landmark events, such as the rise of totalitarian states and subsequent democratic backsliding in various regions, highlighted the dangers of unchecked authority. Scholarly attention intensified following high-profile constitutional crises, prompting international organizations to monitor and report on the erosion of separation of powers and its impact on 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, as a healthy democracy demands transparency, accountability, and a balance of power. Ignoring this problem risks the very foundation of our freedoms and institutions.