Brutus 1

Brutus 1’s main goal is to dissuade readers from supporting the new Constitution. It comments on the dangers of a nation too large and a government too consolidated (too unified). Citizens wouldn’t be able to understand the workings of a government so large or know the elected representative. The Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause give the federal government unlimited power, which would risk personal liberty. The Federalists’ view that a large country and government prevent the rise of controlling factions (interest groups) in Federalist 10 is specifically countered.

Federalist 10

Among the most famous Federalist papers, this addresses the concern over special interests. No plan for government can eliminate factions, but the framers had created a system to purposefully stall and frustrate factions, which would limit their effects. The system would have to consider the interests of all citizens.

Federalist 51

Publius writes that the separation of powers is a guard against tyranny. Each branch can check the other branches and is dependent on itself. To fix a government where the legislature is the most dominant, the branch should be bicameral, in which each should have different rules and requirements. The minority is protected because there are so many differing opinions in the majority.

Federalist 70

A single person in charge of the government and the executive branch would be dangerous, but the advantage of a single executive includes avoiding conflicts and ensuring accountability. It avoids conflicts because there is only one person and nobody else to have a conflicting viewpoint, which would split the public in half. It ensures accountability because, in a position so closely watched, the president must be careful.

Federalist 78

The judicial branch has the power of judicial review, which allows it to determine if legislative acts agree with the Constitution. As long as judges act appropriately, they are allowed to remain on the bench for life. The permanency of their term allows them to make unpopular but constitutional decisions without fear of being challenged by other branches. They serve the Constitution more than the people – their job is to regard it as a fundamental law and determine its meaning. The judiciary will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution because it is constantly in jeopardy of being overpowered by other branches.