The system of checks and balances were established to A protect the peoples freedom of expression

B control the spending of tax money

C prevent branches of government from abusing power

D protect the state's power

How did the church gain secular power? a) monks forced massive numbers of people to convert through fear of punishment. b) the church issued interdicts, laws passed by the church regardless of secular law. c) the church's power to deny the sacraments gave the church power over christians. d) canon law established secular courts under the control of the church.