APGov - Fed 10 & 51

Which methods does Madison suggest to check the powers of government?

The legislative, executive, and judicial branches should be made as separate powers, so no one branch becomes too powerful.

Which branch appears as an exception to the separation of powers norm? Why is this exception not dangerous?

The judicial branch , since they have a life term.

The greatest security against concentrating power is found in what?

Two of the branches can check the other. 

How is the separation of powers between the three branches assured?

The administrators of each branch are able to use constitutional means/personal motive to check other branches.

Which branch of government did Madison think would be the strongest?

Legislative

What are the two great advantages of federalism, according to Madison?

Smaller states are protected against larger states. Part of society is protected against injustice from the other.

What is the "end" (supreme goal) of government, according to Madison?

Justice

What is Madison's view of human nature and how does it affect a republic?

That humans are selfish and pursue their own interests rather than the common good

What are factions, according to Madison?

A group of citizens with the same interests and a desire to dominate the government and impose their own interests on the whole society.

What are the causes of faction?

According to Madison, the causes of factions is sown into human nature and is built on differing opinions within people.

What is the most common and durable source of factions?

The unequal distribution of property and wealth.

 What are the 2 cures for the "mischiefs of faction," according to Madison?

One way is to remove their causes (destroying their liberty); another is to limit their effects (giving them the same opinion). 

Why are the remedies to the “mischiefs of fractions” worse than the disease?

These remedies are worse than the disease because destroying liberty is worse than destroying factions, and giving them the same opinion is impossible.

What is Madison's solution for controlling the effects of factions?

Through a Republician style of government.

What is a republic?

a form of government where power is held by the people but is exercised through representatives selected by the people. 

What is a pure democracy?

A pure democracy is where everyone can vote on everything, like laws and policies.

How does a republic and pure democracy differ from one another?

They mainly differ in the fact that a republic can implement checks and balances, which benefits the majority and minority. Whereas a pure democracy can outcast the minorities. 

How does a republic inhibit the effects of factions, according to Madison?

 It will cause more factions to form, which will dilute the power each faction has, or the factions will be forced to make a compromise.