Question

t may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices [checks and balances] should be necessary to control the abuses of government. . . . If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

This passage says that the government is necessary because
.

The passage states that checks and balances are needed to

Answer 1

1) Government is necessary because people are not perfect/angelic — human nature is flawed and can lead to abuse of power.
2) Checks and balances are needed to control and limit the abuses of government (to prevent any one person or branch from gaining too much power).