A phrase much used with regard to the provisions of the American Constitution.
1796. Magical logic; or, a check without a balance.—Gazette of the U.S., March 25 (Phila.).
1796. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the Guardian of the Public Weal against invasions by the others.—‘Farewell Address’ of George Washington, Sept. 19.
1796. The checked and balanced government that Mr. Adams so much admires.—Gazette of the U.S., Nov. 5.
1799. A government composed of those elective checks and balances which constitute that of the United States.—The Aurora (Phila.), March 29.
1800. Dr. Franklin was decidedly averse to the modern doctrine of checks and balances.—Id., Feb. 18.
1800. The checks and balances which are so much extolled in the British constitution.—Id., July 15.
1821. [These departments] they have made co-ordinate, checking and balancing one another.—Thomas Jefferson to Judge Roane, June 27.
