Majority and Minority Power

  Back when James Madison expressed concern over majority and minority factions having too much power over government, the House of Representatives (Legislative Branch) was most closely tied to citizens.  People voted for representatives from their states and those elected to represent were given shorter terms.  They were also required to live in the state they represented and came from small districts within a state so the minorities could have a say.  Minority groups were heard when listened to- causing citizens to support the House and believe that they were being heard. 
  But in order to allow minorities to have a say, the United States constitution uses separation of powers and the Bill of Rights.  The separation of powers within the government allows checks and balances to occur, and diminishes the chances of one branch being able to override all others.  The men upstairs have to have the support of say the Senate, or the House, whose representatives were elected by the citizens.  Individual freedoms are protected in the Bill of Rights, giving minorities protection over majority rule.  This allows everyone to have a say in even the smallest things that affect us all. 
 Over the last hundred years, the United States has slowly been transformed into an even more democratic system.  The 17th Amendment states that two senators are to represent each of the 50 states for six years, each receiving one vote apiece.  By acknowledging a maximum term and everyone receiving just one vote, government has become even more tight.  Most people would say it's a good thing, and it keeps states equal when it comes to passing laws unlike when delegates were sent to Virginia based on state population.  Becoming even more democratic are the primary elections.  Unlike caucuses, voters are able to have a say- especially minority groups, instead of the party leader automatically being nominated.  Citizens are able to campaign, support, and argue with others about who to vote for, but in the end, they are still able to vote and know that their vote will make a difference in determining who will be the representative for the National Convention.