Understanding the Importance of Checks and Balances in Federalist Essays
James Madison's Federalist Essays, particularly Federalist 51, emphasize the necessity of a strong government with checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. The essays explore human nature, the need for control over the governed, and the role of government in preventing anarchy and dictatorship.
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Federalist 51 James Madison on Checks & Balances
Main authors of Federalist Essays: James Madison Alexander Hamilton
Thesis of Federalist Essays: 1) Why is the central government so much more powerful? Because we NEED it to be. 2) Is it too powerful? No. Its power is LIMITED.
Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. CHECKS & BALANCES!
What is human nature? Power- hungry Greedy Self- interested
If men were angels ANARCHY!
If angels were to govern men DICTATORSHIP!
How do men govern over men? Job #1: Control the governed. (prevent ANARCHY) Job #2: Get government to control itself. (prevent DICTATORSHIP) CHECKS & BALANCES!
1st example of checks & balances: BICAMERLISM Chosen by: Term Length: Representation based on: The People 2 years Population State Legislatures 6 years 2 per state
2nd example of checks & balances: The president can VETO bills passed by the Congress.
Summary: Fed #51 1) Strong government is necessary because men are not angels. 1) Checks & balances are necessary because those who govern can t be trusted.
