Constitutional Democracy and the Structure of the US Government
Kendra Shrader
Course: C963
A. The Impact of Enlightenment thinking on the founding of America
The ideas behind the creation of the United States were strongly influenced by Enlightenment
philosophers. One of the most important figures was John Locke, who believed that individuals
are born with natural rights that cannot be taken away. He argued that the main purpose of
government is to protect those rights (Locke, 1689/1980). This way of thinking is clearly
reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which emphasizes the importance of individual
freedoms such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (National Archives, n.d.). Another
influential thinker was Montesquieu, who warned about the dangers of concentrating power in
one place. He believed government power should be divided so that each part could limit the
others (Montesquieu, 1748/1989). This idea is clearly shown in the United States Constitution,
which separates power into different branches of government. By doing this, the Constitution
follows his belief that no single part of government should have too much control. In my opinion,
dividing power like this is important because it helps prevent corruption and protects citizens
from unfair control.
B. balancing power between large and small states
When the constitution was being developed, delegates had a hard time agreeing on how states
should be represented. States with larger populations felt they deserved more influence, while
smaller states were worried they would not have an equal voice. This disagreement created
tension and slowed down the progress during the convention. The solution was a compromise
that combined both viewpoints. A two-part legislature was created, with one part based on
population and the other providing equal representation to every state (United States Senate,
n.d). This agreement enabled both sides to move forward. In my opinion, this was a practical
solution that helped unify the states during a critical time.
C. Dividing government authority across branches
The US government is organized so that power is divided among three branches, each with its
own role. The legislative branch makes the laws, and this includes Congress, which can pass
bills and control government spending. The executive branch makes sure the laws are followed,
and the President is responsible for enforcing them. The judicial branch reviews laws and
decides whether they follow the Constitution, and it has the power to strike down laws that go
against it (US Courts, n.d.).
D. How the branches limit each other's power
Beyond dividing responsibilities, the Constitution also allows each branch to check the others.
The system ensures that decisions are reviewed and that no branch can act without limits. For
example, while Congress can pass laws, the president can veto them. At the same time,
Congress can respond by overriding that decision if enough members agree (United States
Senate, n.d.). Situations like this show how power is shared. I think this system is important
Kendra Shrader
Course: C963
A. The Impact of Enlightenment thinking on the founding of America
The ideas behind the creation of the United States were strongly influenced by Enlightenment
philosophers. One of the most important figures was John Locke, who believed that individuals
are born with natural rights that cannot be taken away. He argued that the main purpose of
government is to protect those rights (Locke, 1689/1980). This way of thinking is clearly
reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which emphasizes the importance of individual
freedoms such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (National Archives, n.d.). Another
influential thinker was Montesquieu, who warned about the dangers of concentrating power in
one place. He believed government power should be divided so that each part could limit the
others (Montesquieu, 1748/1989). This idea is clearly shown in the United States Constitution,
which separates power into different branches of government. By doing this, the Constitution
follows his belief that no single part of government should have too much control. In my opinion,
dividing power like this is important because it helps prevent corruption and protects citizens
from unfair control.
B. balancing power between large and small states
When the constitution was being developed, delegates had a hard time agreeing on how states
should be represented. States with larger populations felt they deserved more influence, while
smaller states were worried they would not have an equal voice. This disagreement created
tension and slowed down the progress during the convention. The solution was a compromise
that combined both viewpoints. A two-part legislature was created, with one part based on
population and the other providing equal representation to every state (United States Senate,
n.d). This agreement enabled both sides to move forward. In my opinion, this was a practical
solution that helped unify the states during a critical time.
C. Dividing government authority across branches
The US government is organized so that power is divided among three branches, each with its
own role. The legislative branch makes the laws, and this includes Congress, which can pass
bills and control government spending. The executive branch makes sure the laws are followed,
and the President is responsible for enforcing them. The judicial branch reviews laws and
decides whether they follow the Constitution, and it has the power to strike down laws that go
against it (US Courts, n.d.).
D. How the branches limit each other's power
Beyond dividing responsibilities, the Constitution also allows each branch to check the others.
The system ensures that decisions are reviewed and that no branch can act without limits. For
example, while Congress can pass laws, the president can veto them. At the same time,
Congress can respond by overriding that decision if enough members agree (United States
Senate, n.d.). Situations like this show how power is shared. I think this system is important
