Federalist 51 Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing the key concepts from Federalist 51, focusing on separation of powers, checks and balances, and the nature of government.

Federalist 51

An essay by James Madison discussing the separation of powers and checks and balances within the government to protect liberty.

James Madison's View of Human Nature

Madison believed that human beings are not angels and are more like selfish individuals, necessitating a government.

Purpose of Government (According to Madison)

To protect the liberty of the people while also being controlled to prevent it from destroying liberty.

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

Madison's solution to creating a government that is both powerful and not too powerful; dividing power among different branches.

Independence of Branches

Each branch of government should have its own will and be as independent as possible from the others.

Legislative Branch Power

The legislative branch (Congress) is intentionally given a significant amount of power because it directly represents the people.

Bicameral Legislature

Dividing the legislative power into two branches: the House and the Senate.

Federalism

The division of power between the national government and the state governments.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government can check the power of the other branches (e.g., veto power, impeachment, judicial review).

Double Security

The separation of powers and checks and balances together provide a 'double security' for the liberty of the people.

Ambition Counteracting Ambition

The principle that people and governments seek to preserve their own interests, so setting ambitions against each other prevents tyranny.