What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To keep track of how much money you have/owe/need back

what the first or next guy says

although world war i began in 1914, the united states did not join the war until 1917. the additional firepower, resources, and soldiers of the u.s. to tip the balance of the war in favor of the allies. remaining neutral. when war broke out in 1914, the united states had a policy of neutrality.