Congressional checks refer to the powers and actions that Congress can take to limit or balance the authority of other branches of government, such as the executive and judiciary.
Related terms
Separation of Powers: This term refers to the division of government power among three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial - to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant.
Checks and Balances: This term describes the system where each branch has some control over the actions of other branches, ensuring that no single branch can gain absolute power.
Impeachment: This process allows Congress to remove federal officials from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors," providing a check on potential abuses of power by members of the executive or judiciary.