Before the Constitution
The Federalist Essay that argued separation of powers will guard against tyranny and that since men are no angels, a strong central government was needed.
What is Federalist 51
A law that declares a person or group guilty without a trial, this is prohibited by the Constitution.
What is a bill of attainder.
Two of the four ways in which the Constitution can be informally amended.
Legislative action (laws), executive agreements, judicial review, custom/usage