Answer :

the government only has the powers give to it by the constitution 

The Constitution limits size and strength of the government in that:

- Division of Powers into 3 branches, (executive, judicial and legislative organs) they are designed to maintain a balance of power among them.

The President cannot act by himself, as he needs the approval of the Legislative (the Congress) and in case some lawmaking is found unconstitutional the Judicial system intervenes to keep a healthy socio-political system.

- Constitutions are often the result of historical pursuits and social demands

Some Constitutions are done when civil wars come to an end, for example, Constitutions undergo Amendments to incorporate social demands (For example conceading women's right to vote).

- The Constitution often concedes limits on seize of Federal bureaucracy. Each state of the Federation have sovereignty and a voice in the internal affairs that can have particular or regional needs

Some countries like Ireland or Australia are incorporating the notion of Constitutional Referendums as mechanisms for the public overseeing their rulers and becoming active citizens in democracy building.

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