The principle of checks and balances is important because it

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks why checks and balances matter in government.

Step 2: Explain the concept Checks and balances is a feature of the doctrine of separation of powers. Each of the three organs of government (the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary) is given powers to monitor and limit the others. The aim is to stop any one organ from becoming too powerful or abusing its authority.

Nigerian examples:

• The National Assembly can impeach the President or Governors, and it can override a presidential veto.
• The President appoints judges and ministers, but the Senate must confirm them.
• The Judiciary can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Prevents each organ of government from being dictatorial. Correct. Because each organ is checked by the others, none can concentrate power and rule arbitrarily.
• B. Frees other organs from judicial control. Wrong. Checks and balances does not free any organ from control. It subjects every organ to some form of oversight.
• C. Makes the organs confront themselves. Wrong. The system is meant to promote cooperation and accountability, not confrontation, even though disagreements can happen.
• D. Makes the government perform its civic responsibilities. Wrong. Civic responsibilities are duties of citizens, and this is not the purpose of checks and balances.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. Checks and balances prevents any organ of government from becoming dictatorial or abusing power.

Exam tip: When you see "checks and balances," think "no abuse of power". Options about preventing dictatorship, tyranny, or abuse of power are usually correct. Be careful with options that use words like "confront" or "frees," because they distort the meaning.