A primary focus of the framers of the Constitution was to develop a system of government that would not become an autocracy. To accomplish this goal, the Constitution created a system of checks and balances designed to prevent any single person or group from assuming too much power. Not everyone was on board regarding the need for such a system, however. New York citizens, in particular, were not convinced of the importance of
the Constitution. Their reluctance to ratify led to publication of the Federalist Papers in several New York newspapers. These articles presented a well-developed plan for how
the different branches of the new government would work together effectively. In addition, the Federalist Papers showed how the Constitution would guarantee that no single interest was able to dominate the interests of others.
Besides avoiding tyranny, the Founding Fathers hoped to create a more reliable form of national defense--they were still worried about the possibility that Britain or other European powers would invade the new and vulnerable nation. As you consider how the different branches work together, keep in mind that they were created primarily to keep the nation "defense ready" and socially secure. In addition, Hamilton and the Federalists, who helped shape the new republic in the Federalist Papers, were keen to create a solid financial basis for expanding the nation's wealth.
In the tabs below, review the powers of the different branches and examine how they work together to govern the country.
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
The Constitution requires that Congress create and pass the nation's laws. However, for these laws to take effect, the president must sign them and the Supreme Court must not object to them. Congress also has the power to approve presidential appointments and international treaties. Additionally, the legislative branch collects taxes and decides where that money will be spent, which has a strong effect on the actions of the president. Congress also determine regulations between states--a duty that occasionally requires judgments from the Supreme Court--and is the only governmental body empowered to declare war, officially at least.
The president can either sign congressional bills and make them laws, or he or she can be veto them. It is not easy to override a veto since only a small fraction of the total members of Congress need to back the president for the veto to stand. As the commander of the armed forces, the president can use executive orders as substitutes for congressional declarations of war. Another area of executive responsibility is the appointing of judges and ambassadors; however, the Senate needs to confirm these nominations to make them official. And while the president makes treaties with other nations, Congress or the Supreme Court can nullify these agreements if they are not in line with the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and its primary job is to decide whether laws are constitutional or not. It may seem that the judiciary is the strongest branch because it can strike down any law or order issued by the executive or legislative branch. In reality, though, Supreme Court judges spend much more time reviewing court cases from state supreme courts and federal appellate courts. Even Alexander Hamilton, who created the idea of a federal court system in the Federalist Papers, believed that the judicial branch was the weakest of the three. Since the president is both the government's top executive and commander of the military, the Supreme Court generally does not challenge his or her authority. On the other hand, all federal judges are appointed for lifelong terms, so they do not fear losing their jobs if they choose to disagree with Congress or the president about important matters.
Question
What aspects of the government created by the Constitution support the Founding Fathers' emphasis on national defense?
