Has "checks and balances" of the government been thrown under the bus by Obama & the Democrats?

There is no "checks and balances" currently active. We are temporary screwed. This is what happens when 1 party has full control. Normally there would be common sense that would prevail in a party so that they do not abuse a 1 party rule. However in this case there is a party in power using the democratic party name which is using this situation to their full use. It's Progressives and liberals which have hijacked the dems and the dems appear to not care.