Dbq Essay - Constitution

If the Constitution was never here, the world would be chaos with only one ruler as a tyrant. As seen in the background essay, tyranny is harsh, absolute power in the hands of one, a few, or a group of people. In May of 1787, the Constitution was ratified, which means that it was given formal consent to make it officially valid. The Constitution was written by fifty- five delegates during a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. How does the Constitution guard against tyranny? Well, the Constitution guards against tyranny for four reasons: Federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and small and large state compromise.

The Constitution guards against tyranny by utilizing Federalism. According to Federalist Paper #51, James Madison’s idea of division of power between central and state governments is known as Federalism. This means that central and state governments will share the same amount of power. This evidence proves that the Constitution guards against tyranny because the Constitution makes sure that not one level of government has complete control. James Madison proclaims, “The power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments.” It can be inferred that the power is shared among the central and state governments. This evidence proves that the Constitution guards against tyranny because it makes sure that both governments have an equal amount of power. Even though utilizing Federalism helps the Constitution guard against tyranny, separating powers will also help.

The Constitution guards against tyranny by separation of powers. James Madison proclaims, “Liberty requires that the the three great departments of power should be separate and distinct.” This means that too much freedom will give someone else more power. The claim that the Constitution guards against tyranny is proven by the evidence because the Constitution makes sure that everyone gets an equal amount of powers. According to the Constitution of the United States, “Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.” It can be inferred the Senate and the House of Representatives will work together. This evidence proves that the Constitution guards against tyranny because the Constitution makes sure that Congress is fair because they have two judgments to make their final decision. Even though having a separation of powers helps guard against tyranny, so can checks and balances.

The Constitution guards against tyranny with checks and balances. James Madison proclaimed, “The constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that they may be a check