We've learned that checks and balances only work as well as they are enforced.

Checks were definitely written.

Balances were certainly also involved.

Just not the ones you hoped for.

Washington worried about political parties overpowering the checks before he was even president, and worried until his deathbed. This was taught in school, IIRC.

In Congress, which is led by his co-conspirators.

Congress has the standing and resources to bury the Justice Department in lawsuits to compel them to follow the law, they have near unlimited investigative power, the ability to compel sworn testimony and the power to remove any Executive or Judicial branch officer.

The Executive branch seems powerful because it's operating illegally. All of the actual power in our system of government is in Congress.

A functioning Congress could have the President in the unemployment line by the end of the week. It's just currently led by sycophants, co-conspirators and traitors.

"We have investigated ourselves and found nothing wrong."

No more checks. The corrupt prefer cash, bank transfer (ideally through shell companies) or stock. As for balances, as long as the balance is tilted in their favor, they don't give a fuck.

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/projects-series/trials-of-the-trump-administration/tracking-trump-administration-litigation