Restriction of Government Power
Restriction of Government PowerIn order to guard against what one of the Founding Fathers
called an "excess of democracy," the Constitution was built with many
ways to limit the government's power. Among these methods were
separating the three branches, splitting the legislature so laws
passed are carefully considered, and requiring members of Congress to
meet certain criteria to qualify for office.
Separation of power was very effective; The three branches of
government (executive, legislative, and judicial) are kept separate,
and each has different powers. Congress has legislative, or law
making, powers; the President has the power to carry out, or execute,
the laws; and the Judicial branch had the judging power, used to
interpret the laws. In addition, each branch is able to restrain or
balance the powers of the other two branches upon power abuse. If the
President is suspected of unlawful acts, he can be impeached, or tried
by the House and Senate for misusing his power. If he is found guilty,
he can be thrown out of office, unless two thirds of Congress agrees
with a treaty he proposes. Furthermore, if the President wants to
spend money, his request must pass through Congress, since it has
control over spending. Lastly, Congress can re-pass a vetoed bill.
Congress also has checks and balances against itself. The president
can veto a bill from Congress, and although Congress can override a
veto, obtaining a two-thirds vote is very difficult. Public speeches
by the President may also concern the public with an issue, putting
pressure on Congress to act upon it.
The limitations on and difficulties of law passing are very,
very important. The split legislature creates a more complicated maze
through which laws must find their way before being passed. First, a
law must be introduced in...
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