The Founding Fathers of America and the Biggest Challenge of Protecting Citizens Against Tyrany
Tyranny is defined as harsh, absolute power in the hands of one individual like King George III. Before the United States was independent, colonists experienced cruel treatment from him, and wanted to be certain America's government in no way resembled tyranny. The first form of government, the Articles of Confederation did not provide a strong system, an effective legislative branch, or a national court system. In 1787 a group of white, male, wealthy delegates from twelve of the thirteen states met together in Philadelphia with the intent to better our country, these representatives are known as the Founding Fathers. Their biggest challenge was making sure to protect citizens against tyranny. The Founding Fathers avoided tyranny by including the principles of federalism, separation of powers, and the balance of small states and large states.
As stated in the constitution, separation of powers refers to the division of govemment responsibilities into distinct branches to limit one branch from exercising the core functions of one another. Each branch has its own job, the executive enforces laws, the legislative branch makes the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws (Document B). Madison writes in the federalist papers that liberty requires three great departments of power should be separate and distinct. So, to prevent tyranny and the possibility that one person does not retain too much power and do whatever they please, a person is restricted to serve as vice president and a member of the senate.
Another principle, federalism, helped to protect against tyranny by dividing power between federal and state government. By dividing these powers, it prevents either section from gaining too much power. According to Federalist Paper #51, James Madison states that " a double security arises to the rises of the people." This means the governments will control each other, and each will control itself. The Constitution reserved more personal issues, such as regulating schools, in-state businesses and local elections. The federal government did not want to involve itself with the culture and feelings or regional areas. If the states had the power to ignore a federal law or tax, the central government would not have any money to fix roads, build schools, provide security, etc. Without federalism, America could easily become a government ruled by tyranny.
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The Founding Fathers gave the three branches ways to limit the powers of the other two departments. In the federalist papers, James Madison says "the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that they may be a check on the other" (Document C). This means any action by one of the branches should be separate and not complete. This will allow one branch to check the others actions. The president can check on the supreme court by nominating a supreme court justice, the supreme court can check the congress by ruling a law passed by the senate unconstitutional. Checks and balances prevents one branch of government from getting too powerful, therefore avoiding tyranny.
Throughout history, there have been many leaders who ruled with brutal force, such as Adolf Hitler and Kim Jong-un. The Founding Fathers created a Constitution that avoided tyranny. They provided an opportunity that promoted life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No one could gain too much power. If one branch tried to get too strong, it would be stopped by checks and balances. The Constitution protected the United States from tyranny in many ways, federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. These principles are still guarding us today, and have been for over two-hundred years. Citizens of our country should be thankful that they will never have to experience such horrible treatment from a dictator, thanks to the Founding Fathers.
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The Founding Fathers of America and the Biggest Challenge of Protecting Citizens Against Tyrany. (2023, Feb 22). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/the-founding-fathers-of-america-and-the-biggest-challenge-of-protecting-citizens-against-tyrany/
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