9 Questions
What is the central thesis of constitutionalism according to the passage?
Government is a necessary evil and should be designed with limitations to prevent potential abuse of power.
What is the key concern regarding the 'dictatorship of the majority' that the passage refers to?
The majority can abuse its power and infringe on the individual liberties of the minority.
According to the passage, what is the role of constitutionalism in relation to government?
Constitutionalism accepts the necessity of government but tries to create a balance between the effectiveness of government and limitations on its power.
What does the passage say about Montesquieu's view on the 'tyranny of the law'?
Montesquieu believed that the laws should only concern threats to public order and security, and leave people free to do as many other things as possible.
According to the passage, what is the key role of the courts in interpreting the Constitution?
The courts should take into account all potential threats to individual liberty, including the 'dictatorship of the majority'.
What is the key purpose of constitutional limitations on government power according to the passage?
To create a balance between the effectiveness of government and the limitations placed on its power to prevent abuse.
What is the key rationale behind Montesquieu's view on the 'tyranny of the law' according to the passage?
The laws should only concern threats to public order and security, and leave people free to do as many other things as possible.
What is the key distinction the passage makes between the role of government and the role of constitutionalism?
Government should be designed to be as effective as possible, while constitutionalism focuses on creating a balance between the effectiveness of government and limitations on its power.
What is the key insight the passage provides about the relationship between constitutionalism and individual liberty?
Constitutionalism recognizes the potential threat to individual liberty in the form of a 'dictatorship of the majority'.
Test your understanding of a quotation from the US Supreme Court which emphasizes the fundamental right of self-governance in a free representative government. Analyze the tension and the significance of constitutional limits in a dual form of government.
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