Question

Fear of large/overly powerful government is core to American ideology. a. What are the roots of these beliefs? b. How did the founders structure government to prevent government (or part of government) from getting too strong? How does this play out in our ideas about government today and the current function of government?

Answer 1

a. The roots of this belief initiated when the various colonies fought for their independence from the British Monarchy feared that if the central grows too powerful. It will again turn into a monarchy.

b. The founders then emphasized the idea of popular sovereignty where the power of the government comes from the will of the people. This was saught as the best idea that will deter the government from becoming powerful.

c. This playout as an active control over the government. People feel empowered when they know they have the real power in controlling the government.

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