Final answer:
The United States Constitution ensures the government cannot exceed its authority without being accountable to the people. It establishes checks and balances among the branches of government and reflects the principle of popular sovereignty. The Preamble further defines the purposes and limits of government power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The document that ensures that the government of the United States cannot go too far without answering to the people is the United States Constitution. This foundational legal document is built upon the principle of popular sovereignty, as reflected in its opening phrase, "We the People." The Constitution established a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government — legislative, executive, and judicial — to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure they remain accountable to the populace.
For example, the President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress; however, Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds majority. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has the authority to declare laws unconstitutional, providing a check on both the legislative and executive branches. These mechanisms embody the Enlightenment concept that political power derives from the consent of the governed, a concept that is central to constitutional government.
The Preamble outlines the specific purposes of the government in the United States, which include establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. The Constitution thus serves not only as the supreme law of the land but also as a living document that adapts to the evolving needs and values of the American society while limiting government power and preserving the rights of citizens.