Why does the American form of government work?

Why does the American form of government work? In order to determine the answer to this question, more so one of the many possible answers, one must first define the American form of government. It turns out, there are many ways to define this, as well. Besides being a federal government serving the people of the 50 states of America, it can be described as a democracy, republic, justice system, or system to achieve equality, the same concept taking form in many different names. Just as the government itself can be seen from different perspectives, there are countless viewpoints as to how the government as a federation is successful. In The Federalist Articles, James Madison shares his insight (Article No. 10 & 51).

In Article No. 10, James Madison shares his view on the government and how to achieve success. After reading the article, I find myself reflecting on what Madison would have hoped to achieve, and what policies exist today. The one that stands out the most to me is the fact that each and every group of individuals "have ever formed distinct interests in society". Reflecting on this, I believe this is what makes the US government successful. With various opinions and interests constantly circulating society, bad and good things come. One benefit, perhaps a disadvantage to some, is that the government can view the interests of the people. Highlighting this as one of the many good things, when a government can view the interests of the people, justice can be better served: the government is able to make more informed and widely pleasing decisions with the good of the people in mind. Madison also points out how "The influence of [elected officials] may kindle a flame within their particular state..." but as Madison later explains, the flame cannot spread because there are numerous elected officials representing other states. With the governing officials being elected in the government we know today, more of the population is represented through voting, also contributing to Americas success.

In Article No. 51, Madison states "...the interior structure of the government... keeping each other in their proper places...[is] essential to the preservation of liberty..." To a great extent, I agree with Madison. While evaluating the system of checks and balances, one must consider to what extent the system has made our American form of government succeed; in my opinion, the system has greatly contributed to the success. With so many different systems in play, one individual system cannot get so much power that it is the only decision maker. This allows for a balanced and well-rounded government that works for the good of many people rather than just hearing the voice of one specific group. This connects to another idea in the same article where Madison states, points out "...a dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government...". The US government works because those being governed accept governing and those governing assume dependence on those being governed. The two-way reliance allows for a functional and reliable federal government.