Final answer:
The American government's checks and balances and federalism are key structural aspects that help prevent fascism, as they distribute and regulate power across different branches and levels of government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure of the American government contributes to preventing fascism by promoting checks and balances. This system is deeply embedded in the U.S. Constitution and ensures that no single branch of government can accumulate excessive power without oversight and regulation by the other branches. Federalist Paper #51 eloquently explains how each branch's powers have checks over the power of the other two branches, which is a core principle designed by the framers to protect against tyranny.
Furthermore, federalism plays a crucial role by dividing powers between the states and the federal government, enabling them to check and balance one another. This creates a balance between decentralization and centralization, where both state-level autonomy and a capable central government coexist. The Fourteenth Amendment, on the other hand, establishes citizenship and ensures equality before the law, further safeguarding against the rise of fascist ideology by protecting individuals' rights.