Final answer:
Alexander Hamilton characterized the judicial branch as the least dangerous branch due to its limited control over 'the sword or the purse.' Nonetheless, its role as a chief interpreter of the Constitution has deepened over time, prompting discussions about the balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Federalist Paper No. 78, Alexander Hamilton argued that the judicial branch is the weakest of the three branches of government because it has "neither force nor will, but merely judgment." This illustrates the concept of judicial review, a key power of the judiciary, yet serving as a check to ensure no laws contradict the Constitution. However, the judiciary's power has been perceived to grow, leading some to question whether the Supreme Court's reach has exceeded its intended scope.
Alexander Hamilton asserted that the judicial branch was the least dangerous branch of government due to its lack of control over the executive and legislative tools, namely "the sword or the purse." Despite this, the judiciary has evolved into a central component of the nation's constitutional democracy, taking on an interpretative and protective role in the legal system. The growth and development of judicial power raises questions about the balance of power that the Framers envisioned between the three branches of government.