What document introduced the concept of "checks and balances"?

The concept of "checks and balances" was introduced in the U.S. Constitution, which established the framework for the federal government of the United States. This system is designed to ensure that no single branch of government—executive, legislative, or judicial—becomes too powerful by granting each branch the authority to limit the powers of the others. By incorporating checks and balances, the framers of the Constitution aimed to prevent tyranny and promote a stable and fair governance system. This principle is fundamental to the functioning of American democracy, ensuring cooperation and oversight among the branches.

The other documents mentioned do not specifically focus on the system of checks and balances. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, primarily addressing individual rights and freedoms rather than the structure of government. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that support the ratification of the Constitution and discuss its principles, but they are not a governing document themselves. The Declaration of Independence articulates the colonies' reasons for seeking independence from Britain and emphasizes natural rights but does not lay out the framework of government or the concept of checks and balances.