“The accumulation of all powers…in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many is the very definition of tyranny.” The constitution was written in 1787 in Philadelphia by the founding fathers. There were many ways that the constitution guarded it from tyranny. The major cause for the prevention of tyranny would be federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, big states against little states. If there was nothing guarding the constitution against tyranny we would have lots of problems regarding the law, how the government controls the money, and military spending.
Federalism the division of power between the central government and the states. There are many things that the central government has control over as well the states do. The central government has control over declaring war. (Doc. A) The government wants to make sure that other little states don’t declare war, so if the central government is the only one controlling it there wouldn’t be any declaring going on. The power given to the states controls issues like establishing schools. (Doc. A) They want to give local control to local schools, police departments, and many other businesses that are local so the issues don’t become so big. The central and state government also has powers that they share so they won’t have too much power for one government. All government borrows money. (Doc. A) This is where federalism comes into play; it prevents the governments from becoming too powerful. They both have to work together to control the money issues. The division of power between the central government and the states is federalism.
The separation of powers is also another way that prevents tyranny from occurring in our government. The legislative, executive, and the judicial branch all have different sections of government that is controlled to prevent tyranny. “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in congress of United States, which shall consist of a senate and House of Representatives.” (Doc. B) The legislative branch is the only one that makes the laws, they confirm the presidents’ nominations, and approve the budget or control the money. “All executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, (serve) together with the Vice-President chosen for the same term.” (Doc. B) The executive branch is the only one that can suggest laws, appoint federal positions or jobs, and make treaties. “The judicial power of the United States shall be invested in one Supreme Court…The judges, both of the supreme and the inferior courts shall hold their offices during good behavior…” (Doc. B). The judicial branch only controls the portion of government that decides if a law is constitutional and interprets laws. Tyranny is prevented