Federalist 51
- checks and balances - seperation of powers (prevents tyranny) - government must be strong but controlled - legislature must be checked becuase it is so strong -
what is madison arguing in Fed 51?
o First the power is surrendered buy the people is divided into two governments—state and federal o And then it is further divided within the federal government o A double security of rights to the people - Second o Tyranny of individuals and of the majority o The problem of faction o Two possibilities o Create a governmental will separate from the society (monarchy) o Second, a multiplicity of divided interests protects the rights of the mintority o Prevents combinations of interests from gaining power o To have the diverse group of interests that you need for this you need to have a large republic
In the second half of the essay, Madison makes two arguments to justify how the federal system that he is proposing supports the arguments he makes in the first half of the essay. Summarize these two arguments
- If men were angels there would be no conflict or crime in government, therefor we wouldn't need government. Mandkind is not perfect, and government is a reflection of man kind. Government must be balanced and checked
What does the following statement suggest about Madison's thinking: "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external or internal controls on government would be necessary"?
- James Madison is trying to explain how the structure of government makes liberty possible - Each branch should be independent—no branch should have too much power in selecting members for the other two branches - Citizens should select their president - Attempt and explain the dividing of power
What is Madison discussing in the first half of this essay? What is he attempting to explain and justify?