Checks and Balances – AP US Gov

Madisonian Model

Framers feared tyranny, so they dispersed power (Separation of Powers) and gave each branch tools to restrict the others (Checks and Balances).

The Three Branches

Legislative (Article I): Congress makes laws.
Executive (Article II): President enforces laws.
Judicial (Article III): SCOTUS interprets laws.

Key Mechanisms

Veto, Override (2/3 majority), Impeachment, Senate Confirmation, and Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison).