Federalist Papers 10-78

Who wrote Federalist No. 51?

James Madison

What is the main purpose of Federalist No. 51?

To explain how the Constitution’s system of checks and balances protects liberty.

What is the famous quote about human nature in this essay?

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

Why is separation of powers necessary?

To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

How do checks and balances work?

Each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the others.

Why is it important that each branch is independent?

So branches are not controlled by or dependent on each other.

What does Madison say is the best way to control government power?

Divide power among branches and have them check each other.

How does Federalist 51 connect to Federalist 10?

Both argue that a large republic helps control factions and protect minority rights.

How are minority rights protected under this system?

By preventing a majority from easily uniting to dominate government.

What is Madison’s ultimate argument in Federalist No. 51?

A strong but divided government with checks and balances best protects liberty.

Who wrote Federalist No. 10?

James Madison

What is the main topic of Federalist No. 10?

How to control factions in a large republic.

What is a faction?

A group of citizens united by a common interest or passion, often against the rights of others or the good of the community.

Why are factions dangerous?

They can create instability, injustice, and threaten individual rights or the common good.

Can factions be eliminated? Why or why not?

No, because they stem from human nature (different opinions, wealth, and property).

What are the two methods of dealing with factions?

1) Remove their causes, or 2) Control their effects.

Why is removing the causes of factions impossible?

It would require destroying liberty or forcing everyone to think alike, which is worse than the problem itself.

How can the effects of factions be controlled?

By designing a large republic where no single faction can dominate.

Why is a large republic better than a small one at controlling factions?

More diverse interests make it harder for one faction to gain majority control.

What role does representative government play in controlling factions?

Elected officials refine and enlarge public views, reducing the impact of factions.

What is Madison’s ultimate argument in Federalist No. 10?

A large republic under the Constitution is the best defense against the dangers of factions.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to argue for the ratification of the newly drafted Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton

The author of Federalist 78, focusing on the judicial branch.

Appointment and Tenure of Federal Judges

Federal judges are appointed by the president and hold their offices for life, as long as they behave well.

Hamilton's Argument for Lifetime Appointments

Life tenure is essential for judicial independence, allowing judges to rule impartially without worrying about reelection, and ensures they have the necessary expertise.

Judicial Review

The power of the judicial branch to declare acts contrary to the Constitution void.

Role of the Court

The court's responsibility to ensure laws passed by Congress align with the Constitution, and to nullify laws that do not.

Courts as an Intermediate Body

The judicial branch acts as an intermediary between the people and the legislature, ensuring the legislature stays within its constitutional limits.

Summary of Federalist 78

Lifetime appointments are necessary for judicial independence, and judicial review balances and checks the legislature.