To what expedient [method], then, shall we finally resort, for maintaining in practice the necessary partition of power among the several departments, as laid down in the constitution? the only answer that can be given is, that as all these exterior provisions are found to be inadequate, the defect must be supplied, by so contriving the interior structure of the government as that its several constituent parts may, by their mutual relations, be the means of keeping each other in their proper places. . source: the federalist no. 51, 1788 3. 1. which principle of the united states constitution is most directly described in this passage? a. states rights. b. checks and balances. c. the elastic clause. d. concurrent powers. 2. which statement best describes the author’s purpose in writing this article? a. to gain support for ratifying the constitution. b. to gain support for adding a bill of rights. c. to gain support for declaring independence.