Final answer:
The U.S. Constitution checks the power of the federal government primarily through the separation of powers, which prevents any one branch from dominating, and Article I, Section 9, which prohibits the passage of bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Checks on the Power of the Federal Government
According to published information, the United States Constitution places checks on the federal government in several ways to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power. One pivotal method is the system of separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as outlined by Baron Montesquieu. This arrangement ensures a balance where each branch has specific capabilities that can limit the others. For example, while the President can veto legislation, this veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.
Another way the Constitution checks federal power is through specific prohibitions in Article I, Section 9. This section prevents Congress from passing laws that infringe upon individual rights, such as bills of attainder and ex post facto laws, as well as restrictions on suspending the writ of habeas corpus.
In addition to these, the Constitution also enables the impeachment of high officials, including the President and federal judges, providing a means to remove individuals who abuse their power or fail to fulfill their responsibilities. These mechanisms ensure that the federal government operates within the confines of constitutional government, protecting citizens' liberties and maintaining a system of checks and balances.