It keeps one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Explanation:
The citizens back then were from Britain and they hated how their king had ALL THE POWER. Therefore, they have made up checks and balances so that a branch doesn't seem tyrannic.
I think technology effected the Civil War because one the troops got better technology they had an easier time doing their job. It was like an advancement in the war.
The fact that replacement soldiers, usually immigrants, could be hired or that a payment of $300 to the government could get a man out of the draft made the system very unpopular to many.