Essay On How Does The Constitution Guard Against Tyranny

How does the Constitution keep the government from having a cruel and unjust ruling over the US? It was 1787 in Philadelphia when the founding fathers got together and drafted a document, to guard our government. This document was later signed and published as The Constitution of the United States of America. How does this constitution guard against tyranny you may ask? There are four main statements that help guard our country against tyranny. The small state & big state compromise, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism help protect us from tyranny.

The small state large state compromise was one way the government guards against tyranny. This compromise was after the states decided that each state should have 2 senators

Federalism is when the government splits into two, state and federal. The government is separated so that the not one person(s) gets too much power over the United states. James Madison quotes, “In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments (state and federal).” For example, the Federal government can regulate trade, conduct foreign relations, provide an army and navy, declare war, print and coin money, set up post offices, make immigration law. State government can set up local governments, hold elections, establish schools, pass marriage and divorce laws, and regulate in-state businesses. They both have the power to tax, borrow money, set up courts, make laws, and enforce laws. By splitting the power, there are two different opinions, this allows there to be the best possible outcome.

Madison says, “...the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as they may check on the other… (The three branches) should not be so far separated as to have no constitutional control over each other” This means that Madison thinks that the branch should be able to ensure that each branch is fulfilling their responsibilities For example, The president can veto congressional legislation, the president nominates judges. The court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional and can declare laws unconstitutional. Congress can override the president's veto, the Senate confirms the president's nominations, and Congress can impeach judges and the president can remove him/her/them from office. This way there is not one branch with too much power over the