How did the Constitution guard against tyranny?
It’s March 14, 1789, the Constitution has just been written and put into effect, it’s only about a decade since the start of the American Revolution and the last thing the newly found country wants is to face tyranny. But just how did the Constitution protect us against giving a person or group of people too much power? The answer to this question is in four main categories; Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Big States vs. Small States.
As stated above one of the ways the Constitution protects against tyranny is through federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (central government) and constituent political unit (states). For example the Constitution gives states the rights to set up local governments, hold elections, establish schools, and pass marriage and divorce laws (Document A). Because of these powers Constitution allows states to have, along with the central government, it helps to balance out the power. If only the Central Government was allowed to make decisions the the politicians could vote for things that only benefit them even if it is at the expense of the central government. However, by giving states the right to make decisions as well is very beneficial because it puts power into the hands of the citizens of the states and not just the politicians.
Another vital way the Constitution protects against tyranny is through the Separation of Powers. Separation of powers is a way of describing the three branches of government; Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branch. In Article I Section I of the Constitution it is said that, “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives” this is the Legislative Branch. The legislative branch is responsible for passing laws, approve presidential nominations, override a president’s veto and has the ability to impeach
As stated above one of the ways the Constitution protects against tyranny is through federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (central government) and constituent political unit (states). For example the Constitution gives states the rights to set up local governments, hold elections, establish schools, and pass marriage and divorce laws (Document A). Because of these powers Constitution allows states to have, along with the central government, it helps to balance out the power. If only the Central Government was allowed to make decisions the the politicians could vote for things that only benefit them even if it is at the expense of the central government. However, by giving states the right to make decisions as well is very beneficial because it puts power into the hands of the citizens of the states and not just the politicians.
Another vital way the Constitution protects against tyranny is through the Separation of Powers. Separation of powers is a way of describing the three branches of government; Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branch. In Article I Section I of the Constitution it is said that, “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives” this is the Legislative Branch. The legislative branch is responsible for passing laws, approve presidential nominations, override a president’s veto and has the ability to impeach