Foundational Documents Organizer- FEDERALIST 51

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Foundational Documents notes (Page 1).

Federalist 51

Essay by James Madison arguing for separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism to create a strong but limited government that protects rights.

James Madison

Author of Federalist 51; advocate for checks and balances and a multi-branch government.

Separation of powers

Dividing government into separate branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent concentration of power.

Checks and balances

System where each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny and protect rights.

Federalism

Division of power between federal, state, and local governments.

Bicameral Congress

Legislative body with two houses (Senate and House) to create multiple access points to power.

Congress strongest branch

Idea that legislative power is the strongest and is divided (bicameral) to prevent abuse.

Federalist 10

Argument that a large republic with many access points to power protects minority rights by preventing faction dominance.

Presidential veto

President's power to reject legislation; can be overridden by Congress; not an absolute veto.

Purpose of government: establish justice

Main aim of government is to establish justice and protect citizens' rights; government should be powerful enough to protect rights but limited to avoid infringing them.