checks and balances

The constitutional system of checks and balances prevents the concentration of power in any single office.制衡的宪政体系防止了权力集中在任何单一职位上。

Weakening checks and balances is often the first step taken by leaders seeking to consolidate authority.削弱制衡机制往往是谋求巩固权威的领导人采取的第一步。