How Did the Constitution Guard Against Tyranny?

Discover how the US Constitution prevents tyranny with checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism!

Overview: In the Summer of 1787, fifty-five delegates representing twelve of the thirteen states met in Philadelphia to fix the national government. The problem was that the existing government, under the Articles of Confederation, just wasn't doing the job. It was too weak. The challenge was to create a strong central government without letting any one person, or group of people, get too much power. Important Vocabulary Match the term to the correct definition. Constitution a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. Articles of Confederation the original constitution of the US, ratified in 1781, which was replaced by the US Constitution in 1789. Frame create or formulate (a concept, plan, or system). Tyranny harsh absolute power in the hands of one individual- like a king or dictator. Background Essay- Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. In what city and in what year was the Constitution written? 1776, New York 1787, Philadelphia 1781, Yorktown 1607, Jamestown What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? Sort the information below: Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation No chief executive There was no court system no way to force a state to pay taxes Not a Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation three branches of government Strong executive branch What was Madison's big worry about framing the Constitution? he wanted a constitution that was strong enough to hold the people and states together without letting the government gain too much control. he wanted the states to always be more powerful than the National government. he wanted to make sure that the King or Monarch would still be the head of the government and would be able to make important decisions. He was against any amendments being made to the new government system. He did not want the people to have any power. What is an example of tyranny by a few? when one ruler takes all the power for himself or herself when several generals or religious leaders seize control Document Analysis: A "compound" is something made of two or more pieces. What are the two pieces that makeup Madison's compound government? Select the two pieces of Madison's compound government Central Government The States Government The King What word ending in "ism" is another word for this kind of compound government? Centralism Federalism Capitalism Socialism How does this compound government provide "double security" to the people? How does Federalism guard against tyranny? Document Analysis What is the main idea of Madison's quote? Separation of powers One branch of government Federalism Individual Rights What is the primary job of the Executive Branch? Enforce acts of Congress Interperet the Constitution Make Laws Break all the rules What is the primary job of the Legislative Branch? Enforce acts of Congress Interperet the Constitution Make Laws Break all the rules What is the primary job of the Judicial Branch? Enforce acts of Congress Interperet the Constitution Make Laws Break all the rules How does the separation of powers guard against tyranny? What is the main idea in Madison's quote? Individual Rights Federalism Checks and Balances Popular Sovereignty Congress can check the power of the President by _ the president and removing him or her from office. impeaching The President can check the power of the Supreme Court by nominating _. Judges The Supreme Court can check the Senate by declaring laws _. unconstitutional According to this document, how did the framers of the Constitution guard against tyranny? Match the principle with the correct definition. Popular Sovereignty government based on the consent of the people Individual rights protections for the people Federalism Shared power between the National and State Government Separation of Power Three coexisting equal branches of government Checks and Balances each branch can limit the power of the other two branches. Maintains a balance of power between the branches of government. Limited Government No one is above the law. Even high ranking government officials have to follow the law. Government is limited to what the Constitution says it can do. Republicanism We elect representative to vote on our behalf.