Assignment task:
In Federalist Paper 78, Alexander Hamilton famously labeled the judiciary as the "least dangerous branch." After reading the following excerpt, discuss which one of the three branches of the federal government, between the Legislature, the Executive or the Judiciary, truly is the "least dangerous."
Or, if you would prefer, discuss which one of the three branches is the most powerful.
Choose only one branch as either the least dangerous or the most powerful.
Excerpt:
Whoever attentively considers the different departments of power must perceive, that, in a government in which they are separated from each other, the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them. The Executive not only dispenses the honors, but holds the sword of the community. The legislature not only commands the purse, but prescribes the rules by which the duties and rights of every citizen are to be regulated. The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments.
After making your selection, explain your choice in hundred words or less.