Essentially, Madison begins by arguing that only a strong government can overcome the power of factions. He believes in majority rule and minority rights, but does not believe that a direct democracy can prevent factions from coming into and subsequently abusing their power. He believed that there needed to be some kind of 'barrier' between the easily susceptible masses and the government itself.
Madison did not, however, believe that factions should not be allowed to exist. He thought that they had the right to exist and exist actively but that their power and influence should be curbed.
The American government, in short, worked because it was strong enough to defend itself against any one group who became too power hungry. Madison briefly covers the idea of checks and balances as he writes, "In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government; and the usurpations are guarded against by a division of the government into distinct and separate 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."
Madison believed that the only way America's government could succeed was through a strong, yet balanced government.
Julia, this is a really well done summary of Madison's opinions during the time. I like how you incorporated his own words into your writing as well. The only thing I am wondering is what are your opinions on how this allows the American government to function?
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