If men were angles, no government would be necessary. If angles were to govern, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. The great difficulty lies in this. You must first enable the government to control the government, and then the next place obliged it to control itself how are the authors view from this passage applied in the US Constitution
The US Constitution reflects the author's views by establishing a system of checks and balances to prevent any single branch of government from gaining too much power. This system allows the government to control itself through various mechanisms and ensures that no branch becomes dominant. For example:
1. Separation of Powers: The Constitution divides the powers between three branches of government - the executive, legislative, and judiciary - each with distinct responsibilities. This division prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
2. Checks and Balances: The Constitution grants each branch certain powers over the others, creating a system of checks and balances. For instance, the President can veto legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority. Similarly, the judiciary can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.
3. Federalism: The Constitution establishes a system of federalism, where power is shared between the national government and the states. This division of authority further prevents concentration of power in any single entity and allows for localized governance.
4. Bill of Rights: The Constitution includes a Bill of Rights, which guarantees certain fundamental rights and liberties to individuals. This serves as an external check on government power, protecting citizens from potential abuses.
By incorporating these principles, the US Constitution reflects the author's belief in the necessity of government controlling itself and preventing any single entity from amassing excessive power.