Final answer:
The Founding Fathers successfully balanced power among the three branches of government by creating a system of separation of powers and checks and balances. They implemented federalism to distribute authority between the national government and the states and designed the Constitution to be flexible over time. This system has proven durable and effective throughout American history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Founding Fathers indeed faced a significant 'balancing act' when distributing power between the three branches of government. They designed a federal system that mixed self-governance with central authority, aiming to properly balance power between the national government and the states.
The Constitution they created established a separation of powers where the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws, each with its own distinct abilities to ensure a system of checks and balances.
An intricate system of federalism was put into place to balance powers. Expressed powers are those specifically listed in the Constitution, implied powers are not explicitly stated but are assumed through the necessary and proper clause, and inherent powers are ones that all sovereign states possess.
For example, the power to tax is an expressed power, the establishment of the Federal Reserve System is an implied power, and regulating immigration is an inherent power.
The Founders provided a checks and balances system to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. For instance, the President can veto legislation, Congress can override vetoes with a sufficient majority, and the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. This encourages cooperation and compromise, making policymaking a deliberative process, rather than an expedited one.