"Auxiliary precautions" mentioned in James Madison's Federalist Paper No. 51 goes on to describe the roles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism as elections, though important to resist tyranny, are not enough. Other measures are needed.
"Auxiliary precautions" is what Madison saw as the solution to the threat of another overly controlled nation.
Separation of powers refers to the division of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
Checks and balances refers to a system whereby each branch of government retains some of the powers of the other branches, which it may use to control other branches.
The Constitution is also guided by the concept of federalism in the way that it constructs the U.S. government. Federalism intends to protect the liberties of people in these smaller political units by providing them with a great degree of freedom in governing themselves.
The federal, or larger, government is then a limited government that cedes many decision-making responsibilities to states and localities, while leaving itself other responsibilities. - Learn more at JRank.org.
Study tip! Check out the Top Ten Tips for Passing the AP US History Exam, shared by American History expert, Martin Kelly, of About.com.