"The basic premise of the Constitution was a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances because man was perceived as a fallen creature and would always yearn for more power"
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This quote by Roy Moore shows a fundamental understanding of the United States Constitution and the approach underlying its creation. The "basic facility of the Constitution" refers to the foundational idea that the Constitution developed a framework for federal government designed to prevent the concentration of power in any single branch or person. This was accomplished through a "separation of powers", which suggests that the governmental functions are divided among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has its own distinct duties and powers, guaranteeing that no one branch becomes too dominant.
The expression "system of checks and balances" complements the separation of powers by establishing systems through which each branch can limit or affect the actions of the others. For example, the President (executive branch) can veto legislation, however Congress (legal branch) can bypass the veto with a two-thirds vote in both homes. Similarly, the Supreme Court (judicial branch) can declare laws unconstitutional, providing a look at legal and executive actions. This system is designed to avoid any single entity from getting uncontrolled authority or power.
Moore's recommendation to "male was viewed as a fallen animal" echoes a typical philosophical and theological belief, particularly widespread among the Founding Fathers, that humans are inherently flawed and vulnerable to corruption. This view suggests that individuals, when enabled, might abuse it to satisfy individual aspirations at the cost of the public excellent. The Constitution, therefore, was crafted with the understanding that structures needed to be in location to mitigate the threat of tyranny and secure private liberties.
The idea that people "would always wish for more power" highlights a cautionary perspective on human nature, urging constant vigilance and the requirement for institutional safeguards. The Constitution reflects a pragmatic and realistic method to governance, aiming to stabilize human aspiration with the requirement of securing liberty and democracy. By embedding these principles into the Constitution, the Founding Fathers looked for to produce a durable government capable of sustaining through time and adjusting to social changes, while staying real to its core values.
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