How Strong And Powerful Should You Think Your Government Be

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How strong and powerful do you think your government should be? What kinds of problems can occur if government is too weak? What kinds of problems will emerge if government is too strong? These questions were very important to the individuals who founded the United States government. The framers of the U.S. Constitution wanted a government strong enough to defend the country and advance the economy, but not so strong as to destroy the liberty of individuals. For this reason, the Constitution included a number of features designed to limit the abuse of power by government. In this discussion, you will identify one way the Constitution tries to protect citizens from the abuse of power by government and why it is still important to have these safeguards today.

To prepare, review the interactive units from this week's learning resources and the U.S. Constitution, which can be accessed via a link in this week's resources. Consider the historical events that led to the writing of the Constitution and why this document was necessary. Reflect on the basic principles of the Constitution: What are they, how were they relevant to societal issues at the time of drafting, and how are they reflected in contemporary American society? With these thoughts, in mind, complete the discussion by posting a one- to two-paragraph description of one feature of the Constitution designed to protect individuals from the abuse of power by government and how it continues to be relevant today. Be sure to cite at least one reference from the learning resources to support your answer.

Paper For Above instruction

The Constitution of the United States incorporates several fundamental features designed to protect individual liberties from governmental overreach. Among these, the system of checks and balances stands out as a critical safeguard. This system ensures that the different branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—have separate powers and can monitor each other to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. For instance, the President can veto legislation passed by Congress, while Congress has the power to override vetoes and approve appointments, and the judiciary can review laws to declare them unconstitutional. This interconnected system creates a balanced authority, reducing the risk of tyranny and abuse. Historically, the importance of this feature became evident during periods of governmental overreach or corruption, emphasizing the need for a mechanism that limits governmental power while allowing it to function effectively. Today, the checks and balances system remains vital in addressing modern issues such as executive orders that might bypass legislative intent or judicial activism that challenges constitutional limits. It sustains the core principle of safeguarding individual rights by preventing any one branch from dominating the political landscape, thus preserving liberty and ensuring accountability in governance (U.S. Constitution, 1787).

The relevance of the system of checks and balances persists in contemporary society as a fundamental principle ensuring democratic accountability. For example, recent debates around executive actions and congressional oversight highlight the ongoing necessity of this feature. It allows citizens and institutions to challenge overreach and uphold the rule of law, reinforcing faith in democratic processes. Essentially, the mechanism not only protects against tyranny but also maintains functional government operations—adapting to new challenges while adhering to constitutional principles set forth by the Founders. Consequently, the system of checks and balances remains a cornerstone of American democracy, illustrating how historical safeguards continue to be essential in a dynamic political environment.

References

• U.S. Constitution. (1787). Article I, II, III. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution
• Amar, A. R. (2005). The Constitution and the Citizenship Clause. Harvard Law Review, 118(7), 2098-2124.
• Dahl, R. A. (2000). How democratic is the American Constitution? Yale University Press.
• Schmidt, S. W. (2016). The Constitutional Foundations of American Democracy. CQ Press.
• Levinson, S. (2006). Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It). Oxford University Press.
• Bailyn, B. (1992). The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.
• Farrand, M. (1937). The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Yale University Press.
• Tushnet, M. (2009). The Constitution of the United States: A Contextual Analysis. Oxford University Press.
• Rakove, J. N. (1996). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the making of the Constitution. Vintage.
• Olson, M. (2009). The Rise and Decline of Nations: Economic Growth, Stagflation, and Social Rigidities. Yale University Press.