Final answer:
The US Constitution shapes the national government by balancing power between the national and state governments, establishing three branches of government, and providing checks and balances. It delineates the scope of national and state power and sets limits on both. This ensures a system of limited government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States Constitution shapes the national government in several ways. It establishes a federal framework that balances the power between the national and state governments. The Constitution outlines the three branches of government - legislative, executive, and judicial - and provides a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
For example, the President can veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 majority. The Supreme Court can also interpret laws as being unconstitutional. Additionally, the Constitution delineates the scope of national and state power, while also placing limits on both to ensure a system of limited government.