From Chaos to Constitution: Checks and Balances, Power With Limits

For Q2 for Mr. Ippolito’s History Class At Rio Norte Junior High School

 "If men were angels, no government would be necessary... you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."

Federalist 51 (James Madison)

"Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good government." What did Hamilton mean by "energy in the executive"?

Federalist 70 (Alexander Hamilton)

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To check or limit power of the branches, protect people’s rights, and to avoid tyranny.

Be able to identify one check that each branch has over the others.

Legislative can check executive with override a presidential veto, executive can check legislative with veto, and judicial can check legislative by striking down laws.

How does this system protect liberty and maintain order?

No single branch can become a tyrant and the government is strong enough to make laws, enforce them, and settle disputes.

What does Madison mean in Federalist 51? How does this quote connect to checks and balances?

He means government needs power, and it also needs limits on its power. It connects to checks and balances because the power is separated into three branches and each branch limits the other.