Final answer:
The Federalists designed a republican government with checks and balances to prevent oppressive majorities and placed limitations on legislative powers in the Constitution to protect citizens' liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federalists employed several devices to prevent oppressive majorities in the formation of the United States government. One such device was the establishment of a republican government as a check against the power of factions, as discussed by James Madison in Federalist No. 10. Madison argued that the republic's size and diversity of interests would prevent the formation of oppressive majorities. Additionally, a system of checks and balances, outlined in Federalist No. 51, was designed to ensure no single branch of government could become too powerful, thus preventing tyranny. The Constitution's limitations, such as prohibiting bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and undue suspension of habeas corpus, also protected citizens' liberties from legislative overreach.