When it comes to the protection of human liberty, what part of the government is going to most strongly protect those rights? Perhaps some would choice the judicial for its protection of rights and equality in justice. Perhaps others would even want a strong executive branch for some odd reasons. Ultimately, only one branch can bring the strongest sense of security in protecting human liberty and freedom. That branch is the final one of the three powers within the United States, the legislative branch.
One of the key reasons one would want a strong legislative branch is that the legislative branch is probably the most tied with the individual. It is much easier to get in contact with your local representative or even your senator than it is to contact the president. Another essential that makes the legislative branch the dominant force in protecting human liberty is based on the large numbers in the legislative branch. While the executive branch consists of the president and a cabinet and the judicial consists of small superior courts, the legislative branch is a large group elected by people all across the nation. These people are elected because they touch base with the most people within the area they live, making them more acceptable or reliable to the population. Finally, the legislative branch is entirely made of elected officials, not favorites of a party of group that were appointed or nominated. These are the chosen group selected by the voting population.
I can see many reasons why someone would distrust a strong judicial power or executive power. First off, a strong executive power would remind me of a tyrant king. This nation was founded to get away from the tyrannical rule of a distant king, and a strong president could easily come across as the same. As for the judiciary branch, many consider some law corrupted or the courts holding too much power of decision in cases or trials. A strong judiciary would have the power to do as it pleased without answering for its actions either.
I see liberty being most threatened by a powerful political elite that would escape the public control. The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a strong executive without a leash would be the Watergate scandal in the Nixon presidency. He overstepped his authority, figuring he could get away with securing the election by illegally wire-tapping the DNC headquarters. We have pretty well balanced out any chance of a majority taking over minorities within the United States, which is another reason I see a strong elite taking control. This would also push people to more strongly favor a legislative branch with power because they are a large group, with very little power struggle outside of party leadership. They are equals and closest to the common citizen, giving them the right to superior power in my opinion.
