Mera Feygin
POLSC 110, Section 4
First Exam, Question 1

Framing the Constitution The framers of the constitution wrote the document with a set of goals in mind. They sought to increase the power of the central government while simultaneously trying to separate and control and limit power. They also wanted to limit popular influence while allowing popular sovereignty. Through a long process of conventions, amendments, and later some ratifications, the framers mostly succeeded, and although changes have been made, the main ideas constructed in the constitution are used to this day. The ideas written in the constitution were greatly influenced by philosophers and enlightenment thinkers. Popular sovereignty, the principle that the government is run by the people through representatives that they elect and may later revoke, was first introduced by English philosopher John Locke, and influential political theorist. Sir Isaac Newton, an English physicist, introduced …show more content…
He stated in The Federalist No. 51, “…you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself” (Madison, 719-720). To create a balance and separation of power, a system of Checks and Balances was formed, which gave each branch power over the other. The judicial branch has the responsibility of interpreting the constitution and can rule any laws that the President or Congress makes unconstitutional (Article 3, section 2). Congress determines the power the Supreme court has over lower courts, and may impeach federal judges. It can also impeach the president (Article 1, section 3) and confirms all important executive appointments. The president nominates all federal judges, and has the power to veto legislation (Article 2, section 2). This prevents the concentration of powers in the hands of one body, and helped protect against unfair law