Answer Key
Government
Checks and Balance Worksheet
The Checks and Balances System
Various governmental powers are listed below. Identify the branch doing the checking and the
branch being checked. More than one answer is possible per section.
Power
Branch
Branch Being Checked
1) Create and pass legislation.
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
2) Veto bills.
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
3) Ratify treaties.
Legislative Branch
4) Appoint Federal judges.
Executive Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
5) Impeachment of federal
officials.
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch,
6) Confirm presidential
appointments.
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch,
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Legislative Branch,
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Executive Branch,
Legislative Branch
7) Declare laws
unconstitutional.
8) Override Presidential
Vetoes.
9) Judges are appointed for
life.
10) Controls appropriations of
Money.
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Answer Key
Government
Checks and Balance Worksheet
CONCEPT MAP
Definition – Checks and Balance:
A system the United States uses to limit the power of each of
the 3 branches of government. Each branch has powers
that can limit each of the other branches so none gets too
powerful.
Term:
Checks and Balances
Details:
 Each branch has specific powers

Legislative makes laws, controls money, approves
appointments and treaties, etc.

Executive enforces laws, makes appointments, vetoes, makes
treaties, etc.
 Judicial interprets laws, has judicial review, and declares things
unconstitutional
Examples/ Impacts:
The president vetoes a
law Congress has
passed. (Executive
checks Legislative)
The Supreme Court declares
a law unconstitutional.
(Judicial checks Legislative)
Congress refuses to confirm the
appointment of a new Secretary
of Defense. (Legislative checks
Executive)
Answer Key
Government
Checks and Balance Worksheet
Checks and Balances Flow Chart
Have students write down their answer for the following question:
In your own words, explain what is happening in the diagram. Explain the system of “Checks and Balance.”