A Federalist Account

The American Government during the late 1700s faced a mixture of challenges, including unity, economic prosperity, political stability, and even personal rivalries. The main reason why the American Government didn’t collapse during the volatile early years is due largely to the US Constitution, which was drafted in 1787 and enacted in 1788. The influences that the Constitution drew from varied immensely, drawing upon thoughts from philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Locke...etc. Perhaps the most important facet of the US Constitution was its implementation of the system of checks and balances, which succeeded in its original goal of preventing one branch of government from gaining too much power. Montesquieu’s idea of having factions check the power of others allowed totalitarianism or oligarchism from arising in the United States. Although the system was not designed to be perfect (and it still isn’t today-e.g. gridlock), it did allow the transition of the war years to flow more smoothly from a leaderless nation to the concept of a presidency. In James Madison’’s Federalist No. 10, he writes

“No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity.”

Here, Madison stresses that one man leadership or one group of leadership will precipitate disaster, mostly due to the conflicting self-interests of that leader and that of his nation. Madison instead stresses having a popular majority form of republicanism to take over the foundation of the fledgling US government. Having a popular government, Madison advocates, will allow for the general spirit of good prevail. Although Madison doesn’t stress on how to achieve such an end, the concept of popular government is his main goal for the United States:

“A republic, by which I mean a government in which the scheme of representation takes place, opens a different prospect, and promises the cure for which we are seeking.”

Madison, instead of explaining how to achieve such a cure, explains why republicanism is better than a full on democracy. A republic allows for a small group to elect a leader and make important decisions whereas a democracy attempts to include every citizen of a nation in the embetterment process. A republic triumphs over a democracy because it allows for efficiency and, arguably, more justified decisions.

In his Federalist No. 51 paper, Madison describes the different departments of a government and how each should complement the other. Madison explains how this should work:

“But it is not possible to give to each department an equal power of self-defense. In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches”

The different branches that Madison is referring to is to take the form of government. He argues that although the legislative branch will undoubtedly possess the greatest power, two other branches will be able to check its influence.

“In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government”

Here, Madison explains that although people surrender themselves to the administrative government, they will be afforded protection and rights and that this exchange is beneficial to both parties, especially when a nation’s population exceeds efficiency.

Why does the American Government Work

Our Government is one of checks and balances. "By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." This shows us that even though the American government is not perfect, it works because people do not want it to fail. The American government is so efficient because it is in the best interest of the people to keep our government going. It is said in Federalist 10 that there are two ways of removing mischief and they are by removing its causes or, by controlling its effects. Therefore we have separated our government into three parts; the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. This way we are able to keep each branch in check and prevent them from gaining too much control. This also allows us to sort out our public matters more efficiently. Our government works because of three main reasons and they are, having a variety of views, having three branches of government, and letting our people have power yet still be a centralized government.

Why the American Government works

The American form of government is not perfect; its flaws are increasingly apparent by the budget stalemates and incessant bickering that plagues our legislative branch today. Yet America is still (one of) the world's greatest powers and has trail blazed a method of democracy and freedom yearned for by countless citizens of other countries.

Why has America's government been so effective?

The answer lies with two key characteristics of the American government. One, it is not ruled by violent or powerful factions, and two, it has a system of checks and balances to deter corruption of any one branch.

In his Federalist No. 10 paper, James Madison warns against the threat of factions, which are groups of people motivated by "by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." He goes on to explain why factions cannot be eradicated (the cost would be higher than the result) and instead puts forth the argument that the next best thing to do is to control their effects. 

Here is where Madison's beliefs coincide with the structure of the American government.

"A republic, by which I mean a government in which the scheme of representation takes place, opens a different prospect, and promises the cure for which we are seeking."

The current American government is a republic, the very one that Madison so ardently swears by. He believes in republics because they depend on a small group of chosen representatives making decisions for the rest of the population.

"The effect of the first difference [between a democracy and republic] is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations."

This "chosen body of citizens" may not be the most perfect humans to be leading the country, but Madison believes in their ability to do what is right for the country instead of their self-interest. In the US today, we trust President Barack Obama and Congress to make the right decisions for us. The idea of putting faith in another chosen body of people to lead and carry out decisions serves as the foundation of the principle of republicanism.

The second (and equally important) reason why the American government remains a functioning entity today is due to its strong system of checks and balances. In Federalist papers No. 51, Madison writes,

"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others."

In this quote, Madison argues that a strong, lasting government must separate various powers and ensure that one branch cannot corrupt or undermine another. With a stable political system, the government is able to function more effectively than most governments in the world through its assurance of peace and order. This system of checks and balances was designed to withstand the test of time. Consequently, it is still a part of our government and also explains the effectiveness of it today.

Why Our Government Works

James Madison argues in his paper Federalist Number 10 and in Federalist Number 51 the importance of a republic, despite the many flaws it has, for a republic is the only achievable way to govern the new country was through a representative, unifying government with separation of branches that work toward justice. 

"There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests."

Despite all attempts, a large body of people will never have a unanimous opinions, due to varying self interests and beliefs. The only way that could ever be possible is if their freedom is taken away or if by some chance they all have the same beliefs, an instance that is almost impossible. Madison acknowledges these flaws, but states that all governments are going to have this problem, but that the only way we can fix it is through working toward the same goal of a unified government. If people understand that matters will not always go their way but decisions are made working toward the same goal, we will have a more cohesive and unified country. 

"In the first place, it is to be remarked that, however small the republic may be, the representatives must be raised to a certain number, in order to guard against the cabals of a few; and that, however large it may be, they must be limited to a certain number, in order to guard against the confusion of a multitude. Hence, the number of representatives in the two cases not being in proportion to that of the two constituents, and being proportionally greater in the small republic, it follows that, if the proportion of fit characters be not less in the large than in the small republic, the former will present a greater option, and consequently a greater probability of a fit choice."

The way to achieve this representative government is through a representative body, of which is large enough to address the majority of the people, but small enough where they are not too overpowering. Through executing this idea, the representative will appease the people of its state, and still work with the nation to achieve national goals, and support the Federalist. 

Because there were always be factions, and disagreement between the American people, the only way to progress is to control the outcomes not the causes. It is because we realize this that the American government works. The government tries its best to appease the majority of the people through debates, laws, and the representatives that make the people feel like their interests are being heard and are trying to be met. Our nation understands the importance of giving up self interest for the national gain, and are able to look past that for the goals of the country. As long as everyone is appeased with the attempts if not the success, the government will work. 

"It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others, for the emoluments annexed to their offices. Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal. But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. "

Madison argues for a complete separation of branches for a functioning government. This is because separate branches with separate ways of getting elected will cover the majority of people's interests with no one party being too powerful, which could lead to corruption. This is also a system of "checks and balances" where no branch has the authority to become too powerful without the other two checking their power to assure all needs are being heard, if not met. 

"Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit. In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy may as truly be said to reign as in a state of nature, where the weaker individual is not secured against the violence of the stronger; and as, in the latter state, even the stronger individuals are prompted, by the uncertainty of their condition, to submit to a government which may protect the weak as well as themselves; so, in the former state, will the more powerful factions or parties be gradually induced, by a like motive, to wish for a government which will protect all parties, the weaker as well as the more powerful."

America was found on the basis of freedom, and every country should work for justice. It is imperative for the United States to work for the good of all the people. If any party, group, or person were to be oppressed by the majority, the government has failed to meet the needs of the people. The government's job is to assert order and fairness, so that all groups can be protected. 

The American government works because it meets the needs of all the people through its representative government that hears all opinions, while still keeping in mind the goals of the country. With our three branch system, no group will become to powerful and resort to authoritative control that no longer protects all people. Our country was based off freedom and justice, and while we still are putting those ideals above all else, the government will be a fully functioning power that receives its worth from the support of the people. 

Why does the American form of government work?

First of all, the different factions in the US create different views on topics. Instead of being a one minded state, our government takes many ideas from different factions. Our government has multiple options to solve one problem. Second, even though our government is centralized, it still gives minor power to the state government. It also lets the US citizens vote for government officials, so the citizens get the best representation. Third, the government is divided into three departments. Each department is dependent on each other, in order to make sure that one department doesn't gain all the power. While it is split up, our government is unified and centralized, meaning that a lot of power is put in those departments. If we don't like how the government is handling our grievences, then when election times come around, we can elect new members of congress, or a new president.

Our government works because of those three ideas: different factions create diversity in views,  give power to the people while still maintaining a powerful centralized government, and our government is split up into three departments.

Section: It could never be more truly said than of the first remedy, that it was worse than the disease. Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.

Madison is saying that we cannot control the effects of the factions because that would be an infringement on their liberty. But in the end of this article, he argues that we have to control the effects of the factions without making the government a uniform government. He is saying that factions divide the government and split up opinion. To have a strong state we must remove this.

Section:In the extended republic of the United States, and among the great variety of interests, parties, and sects which it embraces, a coalition of a majority of the whole society could seldom take place on any other principles than those of justice and the general good; whilst there being thus less danger to a minor from the will of a major party, there must be less pretext, also, to provide for the security of the former, by introducing into the government a will not dependent on the latter, or, in other words, a will independent of the society itself.

Since there are so many interests, in a republican society the coalition of the majority cannot side with anything other than justice or good. The majority shouldn't be dependent on the minority, and it should be given more power in government.

The Federalist Articles: Numbers 10 and 51

No. 10
"The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished; as they continue to be the favorite and fruitful topics from which the adversaries to liberty derive their most specious declamations."
In this article, the authors are claiming that the reason democracies and republics have failed in in the past is because of this "instability, injustice, and confusion" that stem from the public councils. The article goes on the explain how the republic in America will work to counteract these "mortal diseases". This seems to me a vital step in the formation of a strong and relatively centralized government: addressing the mistakes that have arisen with the same form of government before.


"In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the diseases most incident to republican government. And according to the degree of pleasure and pride we feel in being republicans, ought to be our zeal in cherishing the spirit and supporting the character of Federalists."
This "republican remedy" seems to be balance in numbers of representatives and fair elections of these representatives. I recognize this as the vague beginnings of the electoral college system, with the masses electing representatives and the representatives voting for legislation in the popular interest of those from their correlating state. In the final words of the article, it states that Americans should support the creation of a strong government and those who create it.


No. 51 
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself."
The article largely discusses the idea of balance and check of powers between the different branches of American central government. In this passage, it is pointed out the difficulty in conceiving a system of governmental representation that both controls the people and controls itself. The American government does this by creating branches with check each others power and ensure the proper balance is maintained, therefore controlling itself, while still being strong enough to control the masses.

"The second method will be exemplified in the federal republic of the United States. Whilst all authority in it will be derived from and dependent on the society, the society itself will be broken into so many parts, interests, and classes of citizens, that the rights of individuals, or of the minority, will be in little danger from interested combinations of the majority."
This passage supposes that the variety in minority groups will be so great that they will be safe from the direct influence of the majority. This is a more abstract concept, but I feel like what it is trying to accomplish is that there is no single minority which the majority could influence r oppress, but rather a complete stratification of social interests, which protects individuals' right to individual opinion.

The Federal Papers: The choice of two governments

           Since the advent of our nation’s rise, the discussion about how our government should be lead, was prevalent since the earliest documents; the Articles of Confederations. Of course the rules that the government follows has changed greatly since then and in fact changed greatly only a short time after the Articles were created. These documents, the Federal papers, had discussions regarding the state of the American government arose.  Here the main debate occurred with whether the state should be a republic which ensures that a select few control the power representing all inhabitants, or a formation of many groups should be given power, which represents much smaller quantities of people. James Madison the author of both documents proposes two different ideas, to try and encompass the desires of all residents.

            In the 10^th paper he describes that as a result of having to many people representing too many smaller people, discord is created and nothing is accomplished because too many arguments are born from trying to find a compromise for all.  “that our governments are too unstable, that the public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties, and that measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.” In the end the only decisions that are made, are rushed ones which disregard the consent of the “minor party,” which in this case the smaller parties will either fade to obscurity, or gain immense popularity over another issue. “No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, bodies of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time; yet what are many of the most important acts of legislation, but so many judicial determinations, not indeed concerning the rights of single persons, but concerning the rights of large bodies of citizens?” Here Madison describes that the representatives in this situation are taking on a crowd which is much larger than what they should which in turn “biases his judgment, and corrupts his integrity.”  In the end the system may solve several problems, yet they also present new obstacles which in Madison’s opinion wouldn't adequately solve those said problems all while having those new flaws appearing.

            In the second article the 51^st paper, James describes the problems and strengths of using a division of power, which Montesquieu believed was the solution to a perfect government. However to the baron’s dismay, many problems would exist even with the solution of separation of power.  “In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and to render them, by different modes of election and different principles of action, as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit.” This problem is manifested in how the power is divided. Because since all men are out for self-interest, Madison believes that the control over the power will creep towards a particular branch who eventually will bend more and more power to him, leading to a grand usurpation. However that isn’t the basis, procedures must “be necessary to guard against dangerous encroachments by still further precautions. As the weight of the legislative authority requires that it should be thus divided, the weakness of the executive may require, on the other hand, and that it should be fortified.” This however can only be enforced at the beginning of this type of government because as soon as it is created, the struggle for control will insist and the branches will be corrupted either by their greed for power or their obsession for trying to achieve that power.

“Why does the American form of government work?”

Throughout history, various attempts at creating a stable and successful government have been made all over the world. In regards to the democratic republic established in the United States of America, the founding fathers were influenced by ideas from the Enlightenment thinkers, the Renaissance, and other intellectual movements. This in turn allowed them to manufacture an effective republic based on the protection of human rights, representation of citizens in legislature, and the separation of powers in government.

Federalist #10

“As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed [...] The protection of these faculties is the first object of government. From the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property, the possession of different degrees and kinds of property immediately results; and from the influence of these on the sentiments and views of the respective proprietors, ensues a division of the society into different interests and parties.“

In this passage, James Madison emphasizes the importance of respecting the varying opinions, passions, and things of importance to citizens in order to create a successful form of government. It is necessary to protect and respect the population's different opinions, feelings, and social status, in order to comprise a successful government which adheres to their concerns and wishes. Madison also points out that it is the government's duty to acknowledge their citizens' "divisions" and protect their voices from persecution/mockery, as they are the people living in the nation of the United States and therefore have distinct rights and freedoms.

“ If a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote [...] When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. ”

Madison states that in any effective government, it is important to recognize the power of democracy and the majority vote. Through suffrage, "sinister views" are "defeat[ed]" by the voting process, which allows the government and legislature to progress in a positive and able manner. James Madison also addresses that while not all views are passed and accepted in the legislation process, because the majority is at the service of the people, it is expected and necessary that they "sacrifice" their desires for the good of the people and nation.

By respecting the rights of individuals, their opinions, and needs as a whole, an efficient government is allowed to acheive progress and continue to serve for the good of the people.

Federalist #51

“In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others. “

In a proper and valid democratic republic, Madison points out that it is vital that the various components and officials of the government cannot be easily corrupted or overpowered. To combat this issue of possible tyrannical action by one "department" of government, the United States established the separation of powers, which supplied each branch of government with a form of security. By differentiating the three branches, giving them specific abilities/powers, and ensuring that they were not heavily involved in the matters of one another, the American government prevented corruption, intimidation, and the desire for power from consuming the nation and affecting the lives of the public.

“Whilst all authority in it will be derived from and dependent on the society, the society itself will be broken into so many parts, interests, and classes of citizens, that the rights of individuals, or of the minority, will be in little danger from interested combinations of the majority. In a free government the security for civil rights must be the same as that for religious rights.”

James Madison reaffirms the ideal that governmental power is "derived" and controlled by the public. In any competent government, the officials recognize that the happiness of the people, dictates the stability and continuance of a strong nation. To acheive this, Madison reiterates the importance of protecting "civil [...and] religious rights" of the people in a republic. Officials must realize that the success/state of a republic and government of any kind, is dependent on the feelings of citizens, as if they are unhappy it could lead to a revolt and loss of power.

To obtain a successful and stable government, representatives must value the opinions and rights of their people and take measures to ensure that political corruption/greed does not consume a nation's administration.

Why does the American form of government work?

In The Federalist Essay #10, I believe that Madison's main point is that factions are what holds together the government, but also what could destroy the government.  Madison argues that these factions, another way to say political parties, could destroy the government if one certain party gains too much power over the others, creating an imbalance and thus making the United States's strive for democracy useless.  However, Madison writes, "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency".  Basically what Madison is trying to say is that without factions, the government itself would not be able to function.  This creates a problem.  If factions can destroy the government from within, but are necessary to keep democracy, what is the solution?  Madison's answer to the question is to simply have the government keep control over the factions.  Instead of having many factions, Madison believes that the government should narrow it down to just a few, and whichever faction has the majority is the one that maintains control over the government

In The Federalist Essay #51, Madison's main point is about the system of checks and balances, or separation of powers.  The purpose of separation of powers is so one branch in the government does not gain more control over the other ones, hence giving themselves more power over the government as a whole.  Madison's ideas of separation of powers comes from Montesquieu and uses his ideas when he writes, "The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself".  If all of the other branches over government control each other's power, it will prevent the other ones from gaining too much power.  However, it is possible for the branches to work together and boost one of the branches powers, right?  Madison thought this through and said that all of the branches should have, "as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others".  In writing this, Madison is basically saying that all of the branches will control each other's power keeping everybody in check and maintaining democracy in the US.

Federalist Essays No. 10 and No. 51

The Federalist No. 10: The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection

"You take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength, and to act in unison with each other."

Madison affirms that the formation of factions among free men is inevitable, and that, due to these factions, congruency in opinions among all men is unattainable. Having a larger republic allows for a system in which factions will attract more power, and, eventually, gain more power. However, as the size of a faction increases, there are bound to be further disagreements among its own members. In a sense, smaller factions within a main faction will form according to members' individual interests. Because the faction becomes less unified, its power is checked by these divisions. Citizens will begin to understand that they cannot always achieve what is in their own personal interest, and will seek representation that will benefit society as a whole.

"Each representative will be chosen by a greater number of citizens in the large than in the small republic, it will be more difficult for unworthy candidates to practice with success the vicious arts by which elections are too often carried; and the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to centre in men who possess the most attractive merit and the most diffusive and established characters."

Madison highlights another benefit of the larger American system: more people have more candidates from which to chose. Citizens have come to understand the process by which their representatives are being elected and how to filter through the candidates with genuine intentions and those trying to take advantage of a position of power. This understanding, in part, can be attributed to the freedom of the citizens to have discussions and arguments and to share their opinions with one another. More exposure to different points of view and opinions leads citizens to make more educated decisions in selecting their representatives, thus, perpetuating the system in which personal interest does not always take precedence over actions that benefit the whole public.

The Federalist No. 51: The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments

"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."

The American system of checks and balances is one that truly does allow the government to function as smoothly as it does. The organization of the separate branches protects the people from the possibility of one branch becoming too powerful and makes the concept of tyrannical rule almost inconceivable. Madison emphasizes the complete independence of each branch; with no involvement in one another's affairs, no biases can take place and the liberties of the people are guaranteed to be protected. In the specific case of the legislative branch, the House of Representatives and Senate are kept separate from each other, further preventing any one body from obtaining too much power.

"It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure." 

Madison continues to explore the concept of factions and their ability to come into and maintain power. Again, we see the benefits of larger groups of people and how that can prevent the domination of one specific majority group over other minority groups. 

Why does the American Government Work?

Why does the American Government Work?

In the Federalist Essay #10, Madison argues that a republic form of government will be much stronger than a pure democracy.  However, before we get into that, we need to set the stage first.

In every single form of governments, there will always be factions, who are, as Madison defines it, people “united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community”. This occurs because it is in human nature for humans to form opinions amongst themselves and take sides whenever a public or private issue or concern surfaces. These opinions will always exist because it is almost impossible to destroy thoughts and ideas that are constantly being made inside of our brain, but if it were to be possible, the process of trying to take away the freedom of thinking-freely to ourselves and maybe the others will only cause another thought or idea to surfaced, which this time will not be quite pleasing. It is also in human nature to feel or wants to be more superior to another. Therefore, to win, we will often group ourselves with another that have a similar stance on the subject because it is often thought that quantity is always greater than quality.

            Throughout history it is shown that factions in even the most glorious nation-states had been brought down to its knees.  It happens because often times the government tries to solve the faction problem by either restricting its people of their liberty or giving them too much liberty to the point that everyone is only interested in their gain. Madison then argues that it is impossible to remove the causes of faction, and rather trying to find a way around the impossible, it would much more efficient and easier to control its effects.

            He comes up with the idea of having multiple representatives in the government so not only will everyone’s voice be heard, but also the faction’s effects will decrease. This is done by setting up local, state, and national legislatures. This will prevent a majority from dominating a minority. The people will address their interests and/or grievances to the local legislatures, who will address the message to the state legislatures amongst the other local legislatures. If it is a common interest of the locals and it will bring good to the entire body of people who resides within the state, the state legislatures will bring it up with the national legislatures, who look at each interest and determine its pros and cons to the entire nation. By doing so, it eliminates a lot of the issues and interests that are prevalent to the welfare of the country because it only benefits a specific group of people while our government’s role is to maintain the freedom of liberty, life, and purist of happiness for ALL the citizens.

            Now for the part, you all be waiting for. The American Government works because WAIT. Even with the lessen likelihood of having a big faction appeared in our government, it would still be weak without any checks and balances.

“It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others, for the emoluments annexed to their offices. Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal. But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government.”

Without, the check and balance system, if the upper representatives decided that it was pointless or disagreeable, for whatever the reason is, they could easily throw the people’s interests/concerns away. This is why it is important for those groups of representatives to not be dependent on another group, whether it is above them or below them in terms of power and authority. Too much dependency on the other will contribute to the factions that the government is trying to control. When it comes down to it, the reason why the American Government has work for us even to this day is because of the distributions of powers into smaller groups and the checking and balancing of the powers between all the groups. And most importantly, the mere fact that it tries its best to provide a solution to a conflict that will benefit America as a whole.

p.s. keep in mind that I said “tries its best”. The system is not perfect like everything else in the world and it definitely have a long way to go. 

Why the American Government (in theory) Works.

The American form of government, although slightly dysfunctional today due to polarization, was founded on the ideas of the Enlightenment and based off of theories developed by Locke, Montesquieu, etc. The American government is different from most other governments in the sense that it was fought for and founded by the will of the people. Without the support of the people, no government can be successful. Even countries like North Korea have the support of the people (simply because the people don't know of any better) and therefore Madison states in Federalist Essay #10 that "I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." This statement summarizes the base that the government of the United States is founded on, and that is the will and interest of the people. In Federalist Essay #51 is based off of Montesquieu's theory of Checks and Balances. Checks and Balances usually refers to the three branches of government: The Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. That was the case in 1788 and is still the case today. However what Madison also meant in his Federalist Essay #51 is that the state government and federal government will keep each other equal, "The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself." In 1788, although united, the states still felt a strong sense of independence and each state had her own government. The United States, however, adopted a policy that created a system of balance. The states needed the federal government and the federal government needed the states. This is what kept the individual states who, considered independence, in check. This American/Montesquieu system of checks and balances set the United States up for global success because it kept the people happy while keeping the government functional...at least until 2010.  

“Why does the American form of government work?”

Diversity is seen throughout America and within these diverse pods are factions. A faction is an organized minority group with a separate agenda from other majority groups. In Article No.10 Madison addresses the struggles of the many factions stemmed from religion, class, and race, in America at the time. It is his belief that these groups, unless united, will become a large issue for the country because each faction will argue for particular rights and liberties that only affect that group of people instead of the entire population. Juggling all of the demands from different parties would eliminate any chance for the new government to succeed. He states that, “There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests.” In order to achieve loyalty to the government from the people, the government must crush the diversity within the factions and bring together the colonists by giving them similar liberties and goals. For this to be accomplished, Madison believes that a large republican government would be necessary to equally limit the power given to the people, and therefore reduce the freedoms given to so many different factions, thus creating unity.  

In Article No. 51, also written by James Madison, he expresses that in order to maintain equality and peace through equality it is necessary that the government be divided into three legislative bodies. For the government to be unbiased and maintain justice he believes that each branch should have, “as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit.” Meaning that, each third of the legislative government should enforce different regulations in order to remain strong and efficient in prosecuting contrasting issues. Another controversy he touches on involves the coexistence of a minority and a majority population. According to Madison, “Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure.There are but two methods of providing against this evil: the one by creating a will in the community independent of the majority -- that is, of the society itself; the other, by comprehending in the society so many separate descriptions of citizens as will render an unjust combination of a majority of the whole very improbable, if not impracticable.” Here he argues that a simple way for misconduct towards the minority groups to be contained is to utilize laws based on equality. With such laws, both peoples can find common ground due to their same rights.  

By establishing equal rights for all and justly protecting the liberties of the people, the American government is a success.

Foundation of American Government: WHY It works (Federalist Essays 10 and 51)

When asked why our government works, we have to look back to the ideas and ideals of the people that created the country. The documents from the birth of the nation in particular are some of the most descriptive pieces that justify why this system will work over the commonly known British political system. Even through the extremely verbose and more archaic language of these two essays of the later 18th century, there are a few points that stand out clearly which explain exactly why the American government still stays strong.


From the tenth Federalist essay, Madison writes:
"The effect of the first difference [between a democracy and a republic] is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose."

In this excerpt, Madison explain the key differences between a democracy and republic in terms of their raw definitions. He tells why a representative government works on a large scale. By saying that these representatives, chosen by the people, are able to make decisions for the good of the country, Madison shows his stronger feeling of trust in representatives than than in the people themselves because he believes that these people will end up making a majority decision on the best plan of action. In other words, our government works because we are able to choose people to represent our ideas. The best people suited for the jobs of representing general population are voted into office because these are the ones who are most patriotic and most willing to be secure the public good.

Madison follows his spiel of the importance of a representative government with the following quote:
"The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States. A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction in a part of the Confederacy; but the variety of sects dispersed over the entire face of it must secure the national councils against any danger from that source. A rage for paper money, for an abolition of debts, for an equal division of property, or for any other improper or wicked project, will be less apt to pervade the whole body of the Union than a particular member of it; in the same proportion as such a malady is more likely to taint a particular county or district, than an entire State."

With this statement, Madison is able to explain how, even with the freedom of thought, states are able to stay out of violence with each other even with rivaling ideas. He explains that, due to the variety of sections and ideas, the nation will not fall into a state of utter chaos. Since everybody is able to share their ideas and not everybody will be overly radical or conservative, Madison argues that a middle ground will always be reached, and no one particular movement will taint the entire country. Any upset is going to stay pretty local or centralized in one certain spot rather than spreading. He argues that our government works for this reason. Because all people will balance each other out, country wide fighting is very unlikely to ensue just because of two differing viewpoints between two people, two cities, or even two states.

In the Federalist Essay 51, Madison writes:
"In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and to render them, by different modes of election and different principles of action, as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit. It may even be necessary to guard against dangerous encroachments by still further precautions. As the weight of the legislative authority requires that it should be thus divided, the weakness of the executive may require, on the other hand, that it should be fortified."

Here, Madison speaks of the branches of government and the efficacy of splitting the power up between multiple groups. He explains how, in a usual republican government, the legislative branch would receive the most power because they are the ones that can make the laws. However, he states that he wants to break that in the American system by splitting the powers up even more, giving equal weight and authority to each branch. The reason why this will work is so that each branch will be able to balance the other out, fortifying each ones' opinion against each other equally. By protecting the government from internal strife, Madison argues that this system of government manages to strike a long lasting balance, running into minimal problems.

In Madison's final paragraph of the 51st essay, he writes:
"The second method will be exemplified in the federal republic of the United States. Whilst all authority in it will be derived from and dependent on the society, the society itself will be broken into so many parts, interests, and classes of citizens, that the rights of individuals, or of the minority, will be in little danger from interested combinations of the majority. In a free government the security for civil rights must be the same as that for religious rights. It consists in the one case in the multiplicity of interests, and in the other in the multiplicity of sects. The degree of security in both cases will depend on the number of interests and sects; and this may be presumed to depend on the extent of country and number of people comprehended under the same government."

Finally, Madison ties up his essay by talking about the importance of freedom of the individual in running the country. He explains that the power will come from the people, and the rights of the minority will be equal to that of the majority, which is not allowed to override them to begin with. The rights of each person must be respected equally since the country will contain many sects and divisions and differences. By doing this, Madison believes that people will be able to eagerly and happily live in America due to the security in expressing one's own beliefs. Our government works for this reason. The people are able to feel protected under a political system that values the individual and doesn't always follow the majority, rather the individual and his or her ideas.

Federalist Essays

Why does the American form of government work?

According to the Federalist Essay #10, factions in the government are dangerous but inevitable. Madison defines a faction as a party of people "who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens." There are two ways of removing these factions, the first one is to eliminate the cause by either destroying liberty which is absurd because it is a necessity in the political life or giving everyone the same ideas which is also illogical because opinions will always be formed no matter how different they are from each other. So that leaves us to the second method, controlling the effects of factions. The formation of a union consisting of different representatives will help balance out the weight of the conflicting factions. This republican union is completely different from a pure democracy because, according to Madison, "a common passion or interest will, in almost every case, be felt by a majority of the whole... and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual." Meanwhile, a republic can bring a semblance of control through a balance of differing opinions and ideas which could hinder the expansion of a common cause, brought on by a faction consisting of the majority, that would most likely not benefit the whole nation. This continues on to the Federalist Essay #51 in which Madison ties it all up with a proposal of a format of a government consisting of mostly independent branches to assure a check in power. To guarantee such independency, each branch must have its own will and little involvement in the process of choosing who can be a part of the other branches as well as the distribution of salary. In result, "the different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself."

The American form of government works because of its representative structure that even out the concentration of beliefs and its ability to maintain separate offices that are not entirely dependent on each other in order to function properly and restrain from getting too ambitious. However, the real question is to what extent does this type of government work in the present day? The Federalist Essays outline the ideal government but does it address and solve the current problems such as police brutality and involvement in foreign conflicts?

The Federalist Essays

In the Federalist Essay #10, James Madison argues that the biggest threat to a democratic government is the existence of political parties. These groups—factions, as he calls them—are "united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens." In other words, factions supported by a majority of the population could overpower and oppress the minority, negating the equality-driven intentions of a democracy. The solution for this, Madison declares, is to create a republican government in which a select few are chosen to represent the wishes of the entire populace. By implementing such a system, the majority's opinions would be passed through a sort of filter to "refine and enlarge the public views" so as to ensure that they are "more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves." Through a republican government like that suggested by Madison, the United States is able to adhere to the majority's desires while still recognizing the voices of the minority in order to provide for the common good of all Americans.

In Madison's Federalist Essay #51, he addresses the issue of separation of powers to prevent any one branch of government from assuming supreme control. To make sure the appointment process remains uncorrupted, "each department should have a will of its own" and "as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others." The duties of each branch will not overlap, and it will be impossible for one branch to circumvent the other two when making decisions regarding the nation. Madison states that this is an effective method because humans' innate thirst for power will motivate each branch to put a check on the others—"[a]mbition must be made to counteract ambition." Madison further asserts that the United States is unique when it comes to levels of separation in government, due to its split between not only between legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, but between state and federal administrations as well. This dual partition provides increased security of Americans' rights by making it more difficult for any specific branch to abuse its power and take advantage of its citizens.

According to Madison, the government present in the United States is a distinct and effective one. Because of its republican nature, all citizens have a say in important decisions, yet the majority is prevented from suppressing the minority. In addition, the separation of powers between different branches, combined with the duality of state and federal governments, ensures that no group of individuals can undermine any other. These key aspects of the American system of government foster the liberties of its people and allow the nation to thrive as a symbol of democratic ideals.

Why Does the American Form of Government Work?

Federalist No. 10:
     Federalist Essay Number 10 states that one reason why our federal government works is because "the regulation of these various and interfering interests forms the principal task of modern legislation." The interests being referred to in this quote are those of the factions of society, groups of people joined together by a common interest. Controlling the effects of the factions are essential to maintaining a successful government because if a faction gains too much power against the government, the government can be at risk for a rebellion. The effects of factions are most easily controlled by a republic, a body of representatives elected by the people that make decisions for the country. This is an extremely valid system because it controls the factions while still allowing the people to feel as though they are contributing and that their rights are not being taken away. Representatives are also more likely to make decisions based on the needs of the community, whereas if everyone had a say, such as in a democracy, some may act out of self interest only. The United States government is certainly a form of a republic, for the people of this nation vote for elected representatives to make our legislative decisions.
     Madison also argues in this essay that a larger republic is better than a smaller one, for worthy representatives are more likely to get elected by a large group of people than a smaller one. In other words, it is easier to manipulate a small group of people into voting for a representative who is only going to act out of self interest; however, it is increasingly more difficult to convince a large group of people that someone who should not represent the people is worthy of being elected. A larger republic also provides more diversity, which results in a lower chance of big, strong factions. The smaller and less powerful the factions are, the better for the government because their safety from resistance is almost guaranteed. When applying this concept of a larger republic to the United States, Madison reasoned that all of the states working together as a whole creates a more cohesive government than the individual state governments would. The United States government is not only successful because it is a republic, which controls the effects of the factions, but because it is a coalition of all of the different states.

Federalist No. 51:
     Federalist Essay Number 51 stresses the importance the system of checks and balances has on our federal government. While discussing the different branches of government, Madison discusses that the checks and balances work because, "the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachment of others." In other words, the current system of checks in balances in place for the United States government prevents one of the branches from becoming too greedy for power by giving each branch enough to keep them satisfied. For example, one could easily argue that the legislative branch is the most important branch of the three. By separating the legislative branch into a bicameral legislature, it slightly diminishes the legislative branch's power, leaving the other two branches less threatened. Also, the executive branch could easily be circumvented had it not been for the power of veto granted to the president. These are examples of "special powers" granted to each of the three branches to maintain their satisfaction and keep the system of checks and balances equal. This also prevents any of the departments from becoming dependent upon one another. Each branch is able to handle its own matters without the interference of another branch because another department does not have the liberty to do so. The United States government is successful because it has a very effective system of checks and balances in place.
   

Federalist Essays #10 & #51

Why Does the American Form of Government Work?

The American model of government is effective for many reasons. It has modified past forms of faulty governments to come up with a unique and strong-willed system. Its intrinsic qualities, derived from Enlightenment thinkers, including a three branched government, checks and balances, and guarantee of inalienable rights make it the durable and lasting government it has been since its indoctrination in 1788 all the way to the present day. Several Federalist Essays by James Madison examine and analyze the nature of the newly formed American government, and ultimately elaborate on how and why America’s new government is strong.

Federalist Essay #10 - The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection

“The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished; as they continue to be the favorite and fruitful topics from which the adversaries to liberty derive their most specious declamations. The valuable improvements made by the American constitutions on the popular models, both ancient and modern, cannot certainly be too much admired; but it would be an unwarrantable partiality, to contend that they have as effectually obviated the danger on this side, as was wished and expected.”

In this excerpt of James Madison’s tenth federalist essay, he references the “mortal diseases” that have caused popular governments of past nation-states to fall. He explains these as being “instability, injustice, and confusion” that have plagued governments. One reason the American government was successful and long lasting was its ability to learn from the mistakes of past forms of government and legislatures. Madison confirms this notion when he mentions “the valuable improvements made by the American constitutions on popular models.”

“There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects.

There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests.”

James Madison also focuses a great deal on factions, or political parties, and his opinion on their effects on a nation. He believes that they are motivated by their own self interest and can sometimes conflict with the public need. He thinks that the factions and their effects must be curbed, and deliberates this when he writes about “the two methods of curing mischiefs of faction.” The political parties of America, both liberal and conservative, were trademarks of the government during that age, whether or not they were actually beneficial to the public. Their existence proved how far the inalienable rights and liberties secured by the Constitution existed, thus showing the freedoms to be a crucial part to the working machine that was and is the American government.

Federalist Essay #51 - The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments

“In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments. Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people. The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself.”

In this essay, James Madison focuses on the checks and balances between the three branches of government in America. Through this piece, he conveys one of the core reasons for why American government is effective: it is not a monarchy. He suggests the importance of separation of powers with checks when he elaborates on the exact distribution of power when given by the people to the government, stating “the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments” and then going a level further by talking about the “separate departments” the governments are broken down into. This is a unique facet of American government, and one that has proved to be effective for hundreds of years, as it still is in effect today, as it is in many other countries that have adopted American government styles.

“It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part.”

Here, Madison not only mentions the several departments the government is divided into, but also discusses the separation of power between the departments. He stresses the importance of checks and balances by using language such as “guard one part of society against the injustice of the other part.” Madison uses such strong dictation in order to indicate the gravity of his words. This stress is well placed, as this portion of the US government is an important one that sets it apart from the past failed models. When saying that it is important to “guard the society against the oppression of its rulers,” Madison sets America apart from the monarchy of Britain that oppressed its colonies for so many years. America’s independence and growth from a monarchical state is what led to its governmental strength.

Federalist Essays No. 10 & No. 51

Question: Why does the American form of government work?

The American form of government works because it is a democratic republic and it has different branches that can "check and balance" each other.

Madison argues in Federalist #10 by setting up a republican, rather than a "pure democratic," government, the different factions that are inevitably formed by people can check and be checked by each other, and coexist. Pure democracy and republicanism differ, as the former depicts people as the representatives and the latter, representatives for the people. Madison realized that the power of factions often clumped together to make the majority, thus often ruling out the minority and causing major conflict in the government. If factions, which were usually divided by how much land and wealth one had, could "control [their] effects" through the republican government, then they would not need to be destroyed (which Madison states would be impossible anyway). However, for the people's best interests, the representatives in the republic should be elected by the people in order to truly represent all factions. This democratic republic is the supposed structure of our US government today.

In Federalist #51, Madison expands greatly on an idea he brings up in #10: the splitting of government into branches and the checking and balancing of them by one another. The branches should each "have a will of its own...and have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others." No branch should fully depend on each other, but they should also not be completely independent. As quoted from Madison, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary." Humans most definitely are not angels, especially when handed power, and the concept of checks and balances makes it so that no one branch/department will ever accumulate absolute power. However, because the United States is so large, even in a republic setting, the security of a balance in power can be easily threatened. The double security of having both federal and state governments comes into play: "The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself." Now, the complex network of the double democratic republic secures all factions' representation.

The democratic republic and system of checks and balances has proved to serve the US government well in the past few centuries. Yet still it seems that there is still a slight problem in representing the minority successfully, whether it is income level or race. However, the US government has maintained (and continues to do so) the American values of liberty well enough that today the country is an influential superpower, best known for opportunities and freedom.

Why does the American form of Government Work?

The author of Federalist Essay No. 10  argues that republicanism, not democracy, will result in the best form of government. The author writes, 

“A common passion or interest will, in almost every case, be felt by a majority of the whole; a communication and concert result from the form of government itself; and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual. Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.” 

Everyone has different ideas and opinions, and it’s impossible to demand everyone to think a certain way and expect them to just go along with it. In a democracy, when it comes to making choices based on “majority rules,” decisions are usually focused toward granting a majority’s shared personal interest rather than promoting the greater good of the entire community as a whole. Democracy would eventually split the country apart with all its “turbulence and contention” (definitely something the founding fathers wanted to avoid). However, in a republic, which will

“refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose.” 

Everyone (except if you’re under 18) still gets a say in government.  However, by having everyone’s public views represented by a smaller, elect groups, decisions are less likely to be centered around personal interests, but rather around what’s best for the country.

The author of Federalist Essay No. 51, who could just be the same guy or guys that wrote Federalist Essay No. 10, explains the necessity in having a separation of powers. 

“It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others, for the emoluments annexed to their offices. Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal. But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government.” 

Dividing the powers into smaller groups that check each other will, again, greatly reduce the likelihood of decisions being centered around personal interests. This is 

“particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power, where the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights. These inventions of prudence cannot be less requisite in the distribution of the supreme powers of the State...It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part.”

A republican form of government and a separation of powers both focus on dividing up powers into smaller and smaller groups, with the main goal being the generation of just decisions that will benefit the country as a whole. Since America’s government runs on these ideas of a republic and a separation of powers, the American form of government has worked even to this day. But like every other government in the world, it's not perfect, and there's still room for improvement.