Reference no: EM133427193

Question

1. The Constitution was created because many people in the new, independent states were dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation, which bound the independent states in common defense, but otherwise left the federal government weak. The independent states were the center of power, so each state minted its own currency, regulated its own commerce, and maintained its own militaries. Still feeling the pain from the tyranny of British control, citizens wanted a stronger central government, but were wary of giving the central government too much power. Based on these readings, in what ways does the Constitution walk the tightrope of a strong central government with restrained power?

2. In what ways do "factions," or groups of people with similar interests, protect the republic?

3. In what ways does the concept of co-equal branches of government manifest itself today?

4. It seems that following each presidential election, people from the losing party question the wisdom of having an electoral college. They say the president should be "popularly elected," meaning that whoever gets the most votes nationally should be declared the winner. In what ways does the electoral college preserve the nation and maintain a good balance between the states' powers and federal powers?