Constitution Against Tyranny
The Constitution guards against tyranny in four different ways: Federalism, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and equal representation for each state.
The first step to prevent tyranny is Federalism. The Constitution would divide the power between central and state governments. This idea, created by James Madison, is known as Federalism. (Document A) Powers given to the central government include the regulation of trade, conduction of foreign relations, providing an army and navy, declaring war, printing money, setting up post offices, and making immigration laws. These powers are necessary to run a government. The powers given to the state allow the states to set up their own local government, hold fair elections, create schools, pass marriage laws, and regulate businesses. The two levels of government are also given shared powers. These powers include, taxation, borrowing money, setting up courts, making laws, and enforcing laws. Federalism prevents tyranny because the states are not able to take control of the federal powers, while the central government cannot take hold of state powers.
Another way the Constitution protects us from tyranny is through the separation of powers. The legislative, executive, and judiciary branch are separate and distinct branches of government. (Document B) Each branch has powers and members. The legislative branch has powers vested in the Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislative branch creates our laws. The executive branch’s powers are given to the President. It is his job to enforce laws. The judicial branch’s powers belong to the Supreme Court, which can declare laws unconstitutional. The constitution created an ingenious way to avoid tyranny of one branch over other branches, with a system of checks and balances. James Madison wrote in the Federalist Paper”…the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as they may be a check on
The first step to prevent tyranny is Federalism. The Constitution would divide the power between central and state governments. This idea, created by James Madison, is known as Federalism. (Document A) Powers given to the central government include the regulation of trade, conduction of foreign relations, providing an army and navy, declaring war, printing money, setting up post offices, and making immigration laws. These powers are necessary to run a government. The powers given to the state allow the states to set up their own local government, hold fair elections, create schools, pass marriage laws, and regulate businesses. The two levels of government are also given shared powers. These powers include, taxation, borrowing money, setting up courts, making laws, and enforcing laws. Federalism prevents tyranny because the states are not able to take control of the federal powers, while the central government cannot take hold of state powers.
Another way the Constitution protects us from tyranny is through the separation of powers. The legislative, executive, and judiciary branch are separate and distinct branches of government. (Document B) Each branch has powers and members. The legislative branch has powers vested in the Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislative branch creates our laws. The executive branch’s powers are given to the President. It is his job to enforce laws. The judicial branch’s powers belong to the Supreme Court, which can declare laws unconstitutional. The constitution created an ingenious way to avoid tyranny of one branch over other branches, with a system of checks and balances. James Madison wrote in the Federalist Paper”…the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as they may be a check on