how does the Constitution guard against misuse of power?

Answer 1

Nobody has used the critical word yet: Impeachment.
When a federal officer abuses their power, Congress has the responsibility to remove them from office.

John Nichols, who writes for the Nation, has just written a brilliant new book called The Genius of Impeachment.
http://www.amazon.com/Genius-Impeachment-Founders-Cure-Royalism/dp/1595581405

Yes, Checks and Balances do ensure that day-to-day operations are kept in balance; but when power is misused, impeachment is the remedy.

Answer 2

It uses the so-called checks and balances, which divide power equally between the executive (President), legislative (Congress) and judicial (Supreme Court) branches of government. It also establishes the basic values of American society (e.g. respect for human life). The problem is that terms like "checks and balances" are often recited by people mindlessly, without any consideration of what this really means. The constitution, well-written as it may have been, does not make it impossible for governments to violate peoples' rights. We have witnessed several times in American history that this political system - like any other - can be abused the moment people are willing to let someone abuse it. It happened with McCarthy, it happened with the US-sponsored dictatorships around the world in the 1950s-80s, and, as far as I'm concerned, it is happening now under the guise of a "fight against terror". So the point is, the US constitution is a marvel of modern political thought, and (I would argue) it makes it more difficult for governments to commit wrong than many of the constitutions around the world, past and present. But it is utterly useless without human support. Humans must learn about it, humans must respect it, humans must apply it, and humans must not let anyone interfere with it.

Answer 3

It's called checks and balances -- Three branches of the government check each other, Congress, Executive Branch, Supreme Court.

Congress makes laws, The Executive Branch (President) has veto power on those laws, The Supreme Court can say if a law passed by Congress or an action by the president is constitutional or not.

Answer 4

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Viva La Revolution! :D

Answer 5

IOt dosent