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.