"Ours is a government of checks and balances. The Mafia and crooked businessmen make out checks, and the politicians and other compromised officials improve their bank balances"

This quote by Steve Allen is a humorous method of highlighting the corruption that exists in government. It indicates that the Mafia and jagged businessmen are utilizing their money and impact to bribe political leaders and other officials in order to get favors and benefits. The expression "checks and balances" is a recommendation to the system of checks and balances that is supposed to exist in a democracy, where nobody branch of federal government has too much power. Nevertheless, in this case, the checks and balances are being controlled by those with money and power, enabling them to acquire an unreasonable advantage. This quote works as a reminder that corruption is still an issue in many federal governments, and that it is necessary to stay watchful in order to ensure that the system of checks and balances is not mistreated.