The essence of checks and balances is to enhance the functioning of government and prevent arbitrary use of power. The system of checks and balances is a principle of governance that allows each branch of government to have some control over the other branches, thereby preventing any one branch from gaining too much power. This is important because it helps to prevent abuse of power by ensuring that no one person or group has too much authority. By having separate and distinct branches of government that are able to keep each other in check, it helps to ensure that the government is functioning in the best interests of the people it serves.