A system of safeguards built into American government that makes sure that none of the three branches takes control. Arguably the force behind the creation of mindless bureacracy but also essential to make sure that we (those of us from the United States and also as peons) don't get run over by the runaway truck of politicians out of control. Another example of the deliberate complexity woven into American government which was intended to protect the average joe from tyranny but in the end may keep the average joe from having any direct effect on the body that governs him/her.