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.