How did the Constitution defend itself from tyranny? An essay on this issue shows how the Constitution helps keep our country in order. It has laws to keep us safe, it guarantees free speech and all our fundamental rights. We must also keep our government in balance. Because of the Constitution, we have three branches of government; The legislative branch, the judicial branch, and the executive branch. There are multiple reasons why our country is governed by three branches of power. This is how our Constitution defends against tyranny. Tyranny is defined as harsh absolute power in the hands of an individual. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In May 1787, 55 delegates met in Philadelphia to fix the existing constitution, the Articles of Confederation. They decided to eliminate the Articles of Confederation and create an entirely new document, calling it the Constitution. The Constitution protected against tyranny in several ways, such as federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and equality between large and small states. The first thing that can guard against tyranny is federalism, which is a system that divides power between a strong national government and smaller state governments. Some power is given to the state government, it is given to the central government and it is shared between the two governments. For example, the powers given to the central government are powers such as regulating trade, conducting foreign relations, declaring war, and making immigration laws. The powers given to states are powers such as establishing local governments, holding elections, regulating state-level businesses, and establishing schools. Both the central and state governments can set up courts, make and enforce laws, and borrow money. This is how federalism protects against tyranny. The second guard against tyranny was the separation of powers, meaning that power is divided into three branches. This is done so that one person or branch of government cannot become too powerful. These branches of power are separate and have their own distinct purpose or work. For example, the legislative branch consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives which can confirm the nomination of a president, while Congress can impeach judges and remove them from office. The executive branch consists of the President. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court which can declare an act of the president unconstitutional and can also declare a law unconstitutional. In this way the separation of powers protects against tyranny. The third guard against tyranny was checks and balances, meaning each branch can check each other. This ensures that one branch cannot have too much power. For example, congress can approve presidential nominations and impeach the president from office, but he or she can veto a law enacted by congress and can appoint judges. Another example is that the president appoints judges, but the Court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional. A third example is that the court can declare laws unconstitutional, but congress can impeach judges. This is how Checks and Balances protects against tyranny. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Constitution protected against tyranny in several ways, such as federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. This question is significant because if our constitution didn't protect against tyranny, we could:, 19(7).