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  • Essay / How did the Constitution protect tyranny?

    How did the Constitution protect tyranny? An essay on this question shows how the Constitution helps maintain order in our country. It has laws to keep us safe, it guarantees freedom of speech and all of our fundamental rights. We must also maintain balance in our government. Due to the constitution, we have three branches of government; The legislative power, the judicial power and the executive power. There are multiple reasons why our country is governed by three branches of power. This is how our Constitution protects against tyranny. Tyranny is defined as absolute and harsh power in the hands of a single individual. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIn May 1787, 55 delegates met in Philadelphia to correct the existing constitution, the Articles of Confederation. They decided to abandon the Articles of Confederation and create an entirely new document, calling it the Constitution. The Constitution protected against tyranny in several ways, such as federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and equality of large and small states. The first thing that could protect against tyranny was federalism, a system that divides power between a strong national government and smaller state governments. Part of the power is given to the state government, it is given to the central government and it is shared between the two governments. For example, the powers given to the central government are powers such as regular trade, conducting foreign relations, declaring war, and passing immigration laws. The powers given to the states are powers such as creating local governments, holding elections, regulating within the state. businesses and create schools. Central and state governments can establish courts, pass and enforce laws, and borrow money. This is how federalism protects against tyranny. The second protection against tyranny was the separation of powers, meaning that power is separated into three branches. This is done so that one person or branch of government cannot become too powerful. These branches of power are distinct and have their own distinct purpose or task. For example, the legislative branch consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives can confirm the nomination of a president, Congress can impeach judges and remove them from office. The executive power is made up of the president. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court which can declare the action of a president as unconstitutional and can also declare a law as unconstitutional. This is how the separation of powers protects against tyranny. The third protection against tyranny was checks and balances, meaning each branch could check each other. This ensures that one branch cannot have too much power. For example, Congress can approve presidential nominations and remove the president from office, but it can veto a law passed by Congress and appoint judges. Another example is that the president appoints judges, but the Court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional. A third example is that the court can declare laws unconstitutional, but Congress can impeach judges. This is how checks and balances protect against tyranny. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document now :, 19(7).