Which of the following best describes the importance of checks and balances for the United States following the American Revolut
ion? A. Congress is divided into two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
B. The U.S. government cannot pass any law that intentionally violates the United States Constitution.
C. The Constitution prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
D. U.S. citizens have the power to vote out representatives who do not do a good job.
After the American Revolution (1763-1783), some of the Founding Fathers were concerned about the separation of powers of the new government.
It was until the Virginia declaration of Rights (1776) and the Constitution (1788) where specific guidelines were enacted in order to limit the powers of the Federal Government. The Founding Fathers feared that providing the Federal Government of excessive faculties might lead to an Ochlocracy (Mob rule).
Freedom of speech is understood to be fundamental in a democracy. The norms on limiting freedom of expression mean that public debate may not be completely suppressed even in times of emergency. He has argued that the concept of democracy is that of self-government by the people.
