1. How does the Constitution (focus on the body of the constitution here) limit the power of the governemnt?
2. Give 5 examples of #1 and explain.
To understand how the body of the Constitution limits the power of the government, we first need to look at its structure. The Constitution is divided into three main sections: the Preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments. The body of the Constitution primarily consists of the Articles, which outline the structure of the government and the powers it possesses. Here are five examples of how the body of the Constitution limits the power of the government:
1. Separation of Powers: The Constitution establishes three separate branches of government - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own unique powers and responsibilities, ensuring a system of checks and balances. This division prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
2. Article I - Legislative Powers: Article I grants Congress the power to make laws. However, this power is limited by specific enumerated powers listed in the Constitution. For example, Congress cannot pass laws that violate the rights protected by the Bill of Rights or infringe upon the powers explicitly granted to the other branches.
3. Article II - Executive Powers: Article II outlines the powers of the President. Despite being the head of the executive branch, the President's powers are limited by checks from Congress and the judiciary. For instance, the President needs Senate approval to appoint certain officials and must comply with judicial rulings.
4. Article III - Judicial Powers: Article III establishes the Supreme Court and grants the judiciary the power to interpret laws and the Constitution. This allows the courts to strike down laws or government actions that are deemed unconstitutional, acting as a crucial check on the other branches.
5. Amendment Process: The Constitution can be amended through a deliberate and rigorous process outlined in Article V. This requirement ensures that any changes to the Constitution must have broad support and prevents the government from easily altering its fundamental principles.
To understand how the Constitution limits government power further, it is important to study each specific provision in the Articles and the subsequent Amendments that address various rights and restrictions imposed on the government.