THE PRESIDENT Governing in Uncertain Times TheoryPhilosophical Focus Federalist 51 2011 Taylor amp Francis Introduction In Federalist 51 Madison counters the antiFederalists arguments against the proposed Constitution ID: 239300
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Chapter 10THE PRESIDENT: Governing in Uncertain Times
Theory/Philosophical Focus: Federalist #51
© 2011 Taylor & FrancisSlide2
Introduction
In Federalist #51, Madison counters the anti-Federalist’s arguments against the proposed Constitution.Madison examines the design (structure) of governmentA government relies upon people, through a representative structure, to interpret their own Constitution.
An institutional framework is necessary to assure the stability of the regime.
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Parchment Barriers (Separation of Powers)
Madison establishes three principles for the institutional design of the national government:Each department shall have a “will of its own”There should be as little dependence on state office and officials as possible
Each department must have power of self-defense (checks and balances)
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First General Principle
Each department shall have a “will of its own”Executive: the power of enforcement (the sword)Legislature: based on bicameralism (2 Houses):
Senate: deliberation
House: will of the people
Judiciary: neither the will nor the sword—reason!
Therefore, you cannot have one branch appoint another.
There is a necessity for checks and balances, which is discussed later.
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Second General Principle
There should be as little dependence on state offices and officials as possible.The national government and state legislatures will operate in different spheres of government.States will concern themselves with domestic affairs in times of peace.
The national government will deal with issues of defense and protect interstate and international trade.
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Third General Principle
Each department must have power of self-defense (checks and balances).“Ambition must counteract ambition.”
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Example of checks and balancesSlide8
Good Government
Consequently, a mixture of an informed citizenry and parchment barriers will lead to and sustain good government! In turn, the following components are necessary to achieve this desired end:A limited governmentInclude men of good character
Federalism: shared powers
Stresses the importance of distinguishing between:
“real public opinion—based upon reason
“other” opinions—based upon passions and desires
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Good Government
Madison recognizes that only in a free government may we think for ourselves.Thus, we must bring a multiplicity of sects (factions) together to join private and public interests to promote the public interest (common good).
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Conclusion
Madison recognizes factions He believes that an informed citizenry and a specifically designed government will support freedom and uphold moral standards and cultural mores.
Education will instill habits that will provide for a virtuous citizenry.
In turn, adherence to Madison’s three general principles would increase the probability of a stable republic.
© 2011 Taylor & Francis