Federalist #51

What is the purpose of separating the powers of government?

To keep balance a balance of power between the three branches. The three branches should be as little dependent as possible on each branch.

What is essential for the "preservation of liberty" and how should this "be so constituted"?

Each department needs to have a will of their own. This should be constituted by each department being politically independent of each other.

Why should the departments not be dependent on each other to act?

They can't rely on one government being in control of their actions- instead, the departments can act freely with their own free will.

Explain this statement in the context of Madison's argument: "If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

This means that no matter what, men will abuse the power that is given to them. Due to this, there is a system that is necessary to keep these men from abusing their given powers.

Since men control the government this creates what difficulty?

The government must have the power to control the governed, but they also have limited powers that they have to use to do this job.

In a republican government, which branch is the strongest?

Legislative Branch

Identify three ways of "remedying this inconveniency".

Divide the congress, give two houses two different means of election, and fortifying the executive branch with the power to veto.

List the two ways the federal system of the U.S. "places that system in a very interesting point of view".

1. In a compound republic of the US, power is divided between two distinct levels of government (i.e. state and national govt.) and then each level in turn subdivides itself; hence a "double security".

2. The multiplicity of interest within the US will make it unlikely that tyranny will develop. In a small republic, there is less chance that this will occur because the nation is so vast and there are so many interest present.