|
James Madison
Following the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, the supporters of the Constitution faced a grave
challenge. The ratifying conventions could reject and defeat the new Constitution and thus destroy the
new government. The linchpin state of New York was a special concern, because anti-Constitution forces
were strongly entrenched. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay collaborated in writing a set
of essays to ensure ratification in New York.
These essays, known as The Federalist Papers, were works of propaganda and not high political theory.
The essays explain how the authors of the Constitution intend the government to work, answer pointed objections
to the document, but also appeal to private interests and play on the fears of readers. In Federalist
No. 10 Madison examines the role of factions in a republic and stresses how the separation of powers
in the new government is the best way to control factions. Madison also stresses the importance of representative
government and territorial growth to preserve liberty in America. But is No. 10 more than this? Some scholars
argue that Madison is appealing to the landed classes for support, suggesting that these same checks and
balances would prevent the majority from seizing their wealth. Other scholars claim that No. 10 suggests
the best government is the one that governs the least. What do you think?
In No. 51 Madison continues discussing separation of powers in the new government. He tries to answer
the concern over the security of natural rights by claiming that the best security comes from the "multiplicity
of interests" in a free society, and that this will come only with the new constitutional government.
Do you think this provides the same protection as the Bill of Rights that anti-Federalists were calling
for?
|
