Separation Of Powers Dbq Essay

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During the constitutional convention, the federalist and the anti-federalist went head to head trying to create new laws for government. Many articles were written by James Madison; these articles were the federalist papers. Within these paper, Madison outlines that the constitution protects against tyranny by dividing power between state and government, by separating government into branches, having a checks and balances system, and having equal state representation among the states.
In document A, James Madison states that power is “First divided between two distinct governments, state and federal.” This describes the idea of federalism, where state and federal governments share power; powers like declaring war and printing money belong …show more content…
This describes the idea of separation of powers that can be seen in articles 1,2, and 3 of the constitution, and clearly outlines the powers of the three separate branches. By dividing powers among 3 separate branches, Madison believes it would keep one branch from becoming too powerful. In document C, James Madison describes the checks and balances system as “...a manner as that they might be able to check each other…” and a way to have constitutional control. He is describing how anyone of the three branches should not be able to make decisions without consultation; Madison stated that the constitution allows branches to check the work of the other. Madison is stating that the result of the constitution checks and balances system will help prevent tyranny. In document D, it outlines certain articles of the constitution that say, “Representatives...shall be appointed...according to...population,” and that,“The senate...shall be composed of two senators per state.” This means that the Legislative branch's two parts are equal in representation. As a result of this, no one state will have more power which in turn will prevent tyranny among the

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