The significance of checks and balances in government lies in its ability to prevent the concentration of power and protect democratic governance. This system divides power among different branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—ensuring that each can limit the others' authority. By requiring consensus and cooperation, checks and balances promote accountability and transparency, making it harder for any single branch to abuse its power. This framework helps maintain individual freedoms and uphold the rule of law, forming a fundamental aspect of constitutional democracy.