At times, as designed, Constitutional checks and balances keep one Branch from usurping power even if the people aren't involved. 

But the greater danger occurs when a collusion of Branches agree in taking away power from the States or the people. 

This happens too often, especially since Butler v. the United States in 1936. 

Far too few American citizens know the impact of this case.

The U.S. Constitution grants the federal government twenty powers, specified and enumerated in Article I, and only allows the federal government to spend money to carry out those 20 functions. 

This was an important check on the federal government. 

In the Butler case, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could spend money on anything it wanted, well beyond the 20 constitutional powers, provided that it believed the expenditures benefited the "general welfare" of the nation. 

This was a seismic turning point in American history and is likely the primary contributor to America's current financial struggles.