James Madison's Three Branches Of Government

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When drafting the Declaration of Independence, James Madison believed citizens who lived in a government with divided powers would be able to protect a democracy from tyranny (Edwards, Wattenberg, Howell, 2017). The traditional style of forcing virtuous citizens to take part in a political lifestyle was not supported by Madison as he saw the strengths and weaknesses. Article No. 51 in the Federalist Papers explains why Madison believed so strongly in several branches of government, which is more commonly known as checks and balances. Proposing the idea of three different branches helped balance the power and authority in which the government of the United States can have. Citizenship involves having rights and liberties while popular participation is participating actively within the government . In Federalist No. 51, Madison believes the powers situated within the branches should adhere to …show more content…

The President can veto laws made by Congress, while Congress confirms the President's nominations and has power over the budget. When needed Congress can impeach the President. The Court can declare any proposed laws uncostitutional, however Congress can impeach judges. The Court then assures the President is upholding his position, if not the Court can declare presidential acts unconstiutional. The President nominates judges and enforces judicial opinions (Edwards, Wattenberg, Howell, 2017). James Madison explained why the United States needed a separation of powers within different branches. Having the judicial, legeslative, and executive branch prevent tyranny from the minority or majority, and prevent from having one branch more powerful than the other. The people in the country have voices, while the powers take those voices to create a comfortable enviroment. Checks and balances limit the government to ensure the rights of the people are not imposed upon is a key aspect.

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