Final answer:
The U.S. Constitution serves as a check on government power through a system of checks and balances, rights listed in the Bill of Rights, and the process of amendments. It balances power between the branches and levels of government, while also being adaptable to protect citizens' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States Constitution and its amendments play a pivotal role in checking the power of the government. By establishing a system of checks and balances, the Constitution ensures that no single branch of government can become too powerful. The Bill of Rights, which are the first ten amendments to the Constitution, provides a set of fundamental rights that protect individuals from government overreach. These rights include the freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly; the right to bear arms; and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and cruel and unusual punishment.
Through amendments, the Constitution can be modified to address contemporary concerns and strengthen the protections for citizens. Article V outlines the process for amending the Constitution, showing its adaptability over time. Moreover, the principle of federalism and the Supremacy Clause in Article VI define the relationship between state and federal power, with the Constitution being the supreme law of the land.
In addition to the structural components, the Constitution as a living document reflects the Enlightenment belief that governmental power is derived from the consent of the governed. Essays like Federalist No. 51, by James Madison, underscore the importance of a constitutional government that limits power and enables citizens to enforce these limits.