AP Gov · Foundations

Checks and Balances how the branches limit each other.

The Constitution sets up three branches and then gives each one specific tools to limit the others. This guide lists the six checks (3 branches × 2 directions) with the constitutional clause behind each one.

Updated May 2026Part of AP Government Concepts

What is checks and balances?

Checks and balances is the principle that each of the three branches of government has explicit constitutional powers to limit the actions of the other two. The result is a slow, consensus-required system — by design.

Don’t confuse with separation of powers (the structural division of branches) — checks and balances is the active mechanism on top of that division.

The six checks

Legislative on executive

Override veto (2/3 vote of both houses), impeach + remove the president, advise and consent on appointments and treaties (Article I, Section 7; Article II, Section 2).

Legislative on judicial

Confirm judicial nominees, set court jurisdiction (Exceptions Clause), impeach judges, propose constitutional amendments (Article III, Section 2).

Executive on legislative

Veto bills, call special sessions, recommend legislation in the State of the Union (Article I, Section 7; Article II, Section 3).

Executive on judicial

Nominate federal judges; grant pardons (Article II, Section 2).

Judicial on legislative

Judicial review of laws — not in the Constitution but established by Marbury v. Madison (1803). Find a law unconstitutional and it falls.

Judicial on executive

Judicial review of executive actions; the Chief Justice presides over presidential impeachment trials (Article I, Section 3).

AP exam test

MCQs often present a scenario and ask which check is operating. FRQ 3 (SCOTUS comparison) sometimes turns on the clause that supports a check — Marbury for judicial review is the most commonly cited.