Essay Prompt Option 1: Constitutional Design & Democratic Tension

The U.S. Constitution was designed to balance democratic responsiveness with limits on majority rule. Drawing from Chapters 1–3, analyze how the principles of popular sovereignty, limited government, federalism, and republicanism both expand and constrain democracy in the United States.

Explain how at least two constitutional structures (such as federalism, separation of powers, or checks and balances) simultaneously promote democratic participation and restrict direct popular influence.

• Federalism

• Separation of Powers

Evaluate whether these constraints function primarily as protections against tyranny or as barriers to democratic legitimacy.

Support your argument with specific constitutional examples and at least one contemporary political implication.

Conclude by taking a clear position on whether the constitutional system ultimately strengthens or weakens democratic governance.