If I could go back in time to the late 18th century, I would do two things.
First, I would invest a lot of stock in the federal Bank of the United States. Second, I would stop the second amendment from being published.
James Madison's Bill of Rights includes the freedom of religion, speech, press, the right to be tried by jury, the right to assemble and petition government, no cruel and unusual punishments, arbitrary governments, seizure of private property and... the right of any adult to own a gun and use it?
I know what you're thinking: Among the otherwise practical list, where did Madison go wrong? But the truth is that things were different in those days. Imagine you lived in the rural countryside (90% of people did c. 1790's), miles and miles away from civilization, and along comes a burglar or an alien or satan, trying to rob you and kill your family. Americans couldn't just call 9-1-1 like we can today. The right to bear arms offered protection, and Democratic-Republicans saw it as a liberty.
The problem is, many conservatives want to hold onto that right, despite otherwise being able to defend themselves. A poll that I found online from Gallup.com states that 40% of Americans today have a gun at home that serve the purpose of hunting, criminal defense, and target shooting. This statistic is pretty much terrifying.
Over the years, gun restrictions have become stricter. In California, one must get background checks and carry a permit to own a gun. In addition, one must wait an enormous time period before operating the gun (10 days). On the other hand, if you look at Texas' gun laws, they don't require background checks, firearm registration, a state permit, or an owner license! Texas also enacts concealed carrying laws that allow certain firearms to legally be carried in public.
Not to offend any Texans, but this is really troubling to me. Many people take advantage of the fact that the right to bear arms was written in the Bill of Rights as an excuse to keep the amendment, but what they don't realize is that times have changed, and the number of deaths caused by the amendment is substantially larger than the amount of people protected by the amendment, back then and especially today.
The statistics are devastating: Everytownresearch.org shares that on an average day, 91 Americans are killed with guns, 7-10 of which are under 18 years old. Every year since the late 1990's, there have been 12,000 gun murders in the United States--several of these are mass murders that have made national news. When will this end?
Clearly, the second amendment had its time, but Americans need to let go of this "right"(that some have exploited, shown in the link below) and stop resisting change if they want to ensure the safety of fellow Americans should the gun end up in the wrong hands. After all, Americans who could afford it also had slaves back then, a major source of regret and a dark patch in American history. We all need to abandon our biases on this issue and look to the future instead of the past: guns just don't serve the modern American.
http://www.sonsoflibertytees.com/patriotblog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/545751_10151396453980432_1560828751_n.jpg
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Why Does the American Form of Government Work?
The Federalist Paper No. X
"There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects. There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests."
"There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects. There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests."
As the tenth of the Federalist Papers written by James Madison, Madison saw factions within the society as inevitable due to the nature of people, meaning as long as men have differing opinions, own differing amounts of wealth, and possess differing amount of property, they will continue to form alliances with people who are most similar to them. Thus, Madison questions the system and ponders on how to guard against public angers when similar individuals gather and infringe upon the rights of others. Under The Federalist Paper No. X, the American form of government functions efficiently because the government can restrain and limit the liberty of factions properly and fairly with adequate representation. Maddison suggests that a republican form of government will be more effective against factions than a democratic form of government so that the majority cannot impose its will on the minority, and the majority cannot take away inalienable rights.
The Federalist Paper No. 51
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself."
"In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people, is submitted to the administration of a single government; and usurpations are guarded against by a division of the government into distinct and separate departments. In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people, is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each, subdivided among distinct and separate departments. Hence a double security arises on the rights of the people. The different governments will control each other; at the same time that each will be controlled by itself."
James Madison's purpose for The Federalist Paper No. 51 is to address the importance of maintaining separate branches of government in order to establish a well functioned form of government. Madison suggested the system of Checks and Balances, which derives the power between groups and individuals. As a result of Checks and Balances, political power is ensured to not be concentrated and dependent on a specific group in society. Overall, the American form of government work because the separation of power within the national government is advocated.
¨The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended.¨
¨In the first place, it is to be remarked that, however small the republic may be, the representatives must be raised to a certain number, in order to guard against the cabals of a few; and that, however large it may be, they must be limited to a certain number, in order to guard against the confusion of a multitude. Hence, the number of representatives in the two cases not being in proportion to that of the two constituents, and being proportionally greater in the small republic, it follows that, if the proportion of fit characters be not less in the large than in the small republic, the former will present a greater option, and consequently a greater probability of a fit choice.¨
In this paper, Madison Identifies that the country should run by individuals that are selected by the people. This means that the power will be given by the people not to them. Leading to the way that the country could grow but still using the same for of power distribution for the people.For example Madison states that the country thought of its republic, it should not be taken lightly as it can have high power by the number of representatives it may have.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Hamilton: A USHAP Musical
For over a year now, Hamilton has been a smash hit on Broadway. From its unique perspective on the birth of our country to its rap soundtrack to its eleven Tony awards, Hamilton has been praised endlessly for being one of the best musicals of our time. Hamilton's style and sound don't just appeal to musical theater fans, however; its content can also help students in U.S. History. The plot and soundtrack of the musical are filled with monumental events of U.S. history that we are currently studying, including the Battle of Yorktown, the formation of the U.S.'s political parties, and Hamilton's controversial debt plan. Although there are some inaccuracies in the musical, these can be overlooked as its innovative take on late eighteenth and early nineteenth U.S. history makes the politics and debates of the time come to life. If you would like to check out the songs and their lyrics to supplement your USHAP curriculum, here is a list of Hamilton songs that cover some events we have learned in class:
***Warning: some explicit lyrics***
You'll Be Back–This song describes Great Britain's (specifically King George III's) reaction to the colonies' departure from the British Empire in the style of a breakup song.
The Battle of Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)–This song breaks down the Battle of Yorktown, key figures of the battle, and the British surrender.
Cabinet Battle #1–This song recounts the Hamilton vs. Jefferson debate about Hamilton's debt plan.
The Room Where It Happens–This song explains the passing of Hamilton's debt plan through compromise with Jefferson and Madison.
Hopefully this provides you with a new, interesting source of remembering U.S. History!
Sources: https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/hamilton-21.jpeg?w=670&h=377&crop=1
***Warning: some explicit lyrics***
You'll Be Back–This song describes Great Britain's (specifically King George III's) reaction to the colonies' departure from the British Empire in the style of a breakup song.
The Battle of Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)–This song breaks down the Battle of Yorktown, key figures of the battle, and the British surrender.
Cabinet Battle #1–This song recounts the Hamilton vs. Jefferson debate about Hamilton's debt plan.
The Room Where It Happens–This song explains the passing of Hamilton's debt plan through compromise with Jefferson and Madison.
Hopefully this provides you with a new, interesting source of remembering U.S. History!
Sources: https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/hamilton-21.jpeg?w=670&h=377&crop=1
10 Interesting Facts in US History
10 Interesting Facts in US History
Welcome to my interesting facts page! All facts (except for one) in the following list cover the range of dates that we have studied so far. I hope that you all enjoy these tidbits of information, and I hope you come to understand that history is much more interesting than what it first appears to be. If you remember or find more interesting facts during the time period leading up to about 1800, feel free to leave a comment so that we can keep this list growing!
1.
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| Thomas Jefferson was a redhead. If only he took off his wig more often... |
2.
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| When Thomas Jefferson was president, he would greet his guests quite informally by wearing a robe and slippers. |
3.
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| The people of Salem killed two dogs during the witch trials. One dog was put out of its misery after being bedeviled by a witch and the other was shot for supposedly bewitching a girl. |
4.
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| In 1820, a trial was held in Salem against tomatoes for being “poisonous.” One has to wonder whether the tomato still reserved the right to confront the witnesses against it. |
5.
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While the Sons of Liberty tarred and feathered colonists who did not abide by the non importation agreements, the Daughters of Liberty were a more pleasant bunch. Instead of tar and feathers, they used molasses and flowers.
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6.
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| While many people erroneously believe that George Washington's dentures were made out of wood, they are actually made of ivory. |
7.
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| Thomas Jefferson invented the swivel chair. This fact was referenced in his epic rap battle against Frederick Douglass. |
8.
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| Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers, was quite crafty. He invented bifocals, a stove, and discovered that lightning is made of electricity. |
9.
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| After Metacom (aka King Philip) was defeated by colonists, he was drawn and quartered, and his head was displayed on a pike for 25 years. His wife and children were sold into slavery. |
10.
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| Legend has it that before crossing the Delaware river, Washington nudged Henry Knox and said, “Shift that fat ass, Harry, but slowly, or you’ll swamp the damned boat.” This quote is most likely a modified version of what was actually said. |
Sources:
Friday, August 26, 2016
Why American government works
10: In the next place, as each representative will be chosen by a greater number of citizens in the large than in the small republic, it will be more difficult for unworthy candidates to practice with success the vicious arts by which elections are too often carried; and the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to centre in men who possess the most attractive merit and the most diffusive and established characters.
- This is an example of how America’s government works, because it provides a way for the people as a whole to be majority represented. It also makes sure that no one of such unwanted representation is able to be chosen through the right minds of the people. This puts in place how leaders should be carefully picked and that their backgrounds should be very intellectual yet affable.
51: In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government; and the usurpations are guarded against by a division of the government into distinct and separate departments. In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments. Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people. The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself.
- This is an example of how America’s government works, because it is a failsafe system that recursively checks itself. The power doesn’t rest on one department, rather all the departments and so all the sub-departments equally. This system protects against those who want to take in more power, as the rest of the government makes sure this never takes place.
Why the American Government Works
Federalist Essay Number 10
The Federalist Essay number 10 basically supports the idea of a republican government. A republican government "promises the cure for which we are seeking. "It states that the American government works by faction. "By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community."This about having some the citizens speak for their people. The writer of this essay believes that the causes of faction are inevitable and that the only way the government is able to work, is if those effects of the faction are being controlled under the government."The inference to which we are brought is, that the CAUSES of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its EFFECTS." In other words the American government works because of the republican government rather than democratic government because it has a better control of the faction effects.
Federalist Essay Number 51
The Federalist Essay number 51 was more towards a federalist government. The writer believed that if people were not corrupt or in other words have negative effects on the states, then no government would be needed at all, " If men were angels, no government would be necessary...." This essay had the idea that in order for the American Government to work they needed to have precaution on the effects. There was this idea that "In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men". This essay talks about the differences that there will be in this form of government and the different points of views of the citizens will have, however it is in the governments hands to protect both sides to basically make sure everyone feels like they have a say in their rights and feel secure. "but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part." The view point of essay 51 can basically be described as the American Government being able to work "by a judicious modification and mixture of the FEDERAL PRINCIPLE."
The Federalist Essay number 10 basically supports the idea of a republican government. A republican government "promises the cure for which we are seeking. "It states that the American government works by faction. "By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community."This about having some the citizens speak for their people. The writer of this essay believes that the causes of faction are inevitable and that the only way the government is able to work, is if those effects of the faction are being controlled under the government."The inference to which we are brought is, that the CAUSES of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its EFFECTS." In other words the American government works because of the republican government rather than democratic government because it has a better control of the faction effects.
Federalist Essay Number 51
The Federalist Essay number 51 was more towards a federalist government. The writer believed that if people were not corrupt or in other words have negative effects on the states, then no government would be needed at all, " If men were angels, no government would be necessary...." This essay had the idea that in order for the American Government to work they needed to have precaution on the effects. There was this idea that "In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men". This essay talks about the differences that there will be in this form of government and the different points of views of the citizens will have, however it is in the governments hands to protect both sides to basically make sure everyone feels like they have a say in their rights and feel secure. "but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part." The view point of essay 51 can basically be described as the American Government being able to work "by a judicious modification and mixture of the FEDERAL PRINCIPLE."
Why the American government works
Federalist Paper #10:
"The other point...is, the greater number of citizens, and extent of territory, which may be brought within the compass of republican, than of democratic government; and it is this circumstance principally which renders factious combinations less to be dreaded in the former, than in the latter."
"...to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice, will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen, that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good, ... convened for the purpose. "
In Federalist Paper 10, James Madison states how a republican form of government compared to a democracy can reduce more of the harmful effects that factions, or the division of people due to varying political beliefs, can bring to a nation. By adding more representatives to protect people living in an "extent of territory" run by this type of government, this will help to prevent further dictatorial effects of factions. These implementations will make it harder for factions to eliminate more of "a greater number of citizens(')" liberty and rights because it would require that faction to have to develop a more powerful influence on the nation's people; otherwise, they would leave a weaker impact on a larger nation. Additionally, Madison points out that republics are more capable of accomplishing the goal of reducing factions because the power of a government is given to "a chosen body of citizens", which with the majority of them (having a) "wisdom (that) may best discern the true interest of their country." Possessing this knowledge implies that those government representatives have a better understanding of the way that would allow them to most effectively run the government and promote "public voice."
"It is of great importance in a republic... to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure."
In Federalist Paper 51, James Madison states that one of the reasons why the American government works is because of the checks and balances system that runs through the three branches of the nation's government. The power of one governmental branch can be limited by the other two branches, who "check" that branch's power. These implementations will help a nation run its government more fairly because the checks and balances help to prevent a certain branch from having too much dominance over the others. Additionally, Madison points out that in order to prevent inequality in a republic, the government must "guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part." In many societies, power can shift more towards the majority, which may cause the minority to feel more threatened. However, Madison says that by guarding individuals from others who have different opinions on an issue, this will help everyone avoid the risk of losing their liberty from groups that have differing beliefs.
"The other point...is, the greater number of citizens, and extent of territory, which may be brought within the compass of republican, than of democratic government; and it is this circumstance principally which renders factious combinations less to be dreaded in the former, than in the latter."
"...to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice, will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen, that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good, ... convened for the purpose. "
In Federalist Paper 10, James Madison states how a republican form of government compared to a democracy can reduce more of the harmful effects that factions, or the division of people due to varying political beliefs, can bring to a nation. By adding more representatives to protect people living in an "extent of territory" run by this type of government, this will help to prevent further dictatorial effects of factions. These implementations will make it harder for factions to eliminate more of "a greater number of citizens(')" liberty and rights because it would require that faction to have to develop a more powerful influence on the nation's people; otherwise, they would leave a weaker impact on a larger nation. Additionally, Madison points out that republics are more capable of accomplishing the goal of reducing factions because the power of a government is given to "a chosen body of citizens", which with the majority of them (having a) "wisdom (that) may best discern the true interest of their country." Possessing this knowledge implies that those government representatives have a better understanding of the way that would allow them to most effectively run the government and promote "public voice."
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Federalist Paper #51:
"We see it particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power; where the constant aim is, to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other; that the private interest of every individual may be a centinel over the public rights. ""It is of great importance in a republic... to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure."
In Federalist Paper 51, James Madison states that one of the reasons why the American government works is because of the checks and balances system that runs through the three branches of the nation's government. The power of one governmental branch can be limited by the other two branches, who "check" that branch's power. These implementations will help a nation run its government more fairly because the checks and balances help to prevent a certain branch from having too much dominance over the others. Additionally, Madison points out that in order to prevent inequality in a republic, the government must "guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part." In many societies, power can shift more towards the majority, which may cause the minority to feel more threatened. However, Madison says that by guarding individuals from others who have different opinions on an issue, this will help everyone avoid the risk of losing their liberty from groups that have differing beliefs.
Why does the American form of government work?
Federalist Essay No. 10
"There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects.
"There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects.
There are again two methods of removing the causes of faction: the one, by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence; the other, by giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests.
It could never be more truly said than of the first remedy, that it was worse than the disease. Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency."
Analysis:
The American form of government works in part because the creators, knowing that they could not create a form of government that fulfilled every ideal, as many of these ideal were contradictory or unlikely to exist in tandem (like the ideal of full democracy and the hope that those with full suffrage were educated about political issues when they voted,) they thought about how to prioritize these conflicting desires and considered how they might reconcile each as well as possible rather than choosing to submit entirely to one without considering its faults.
"The effect of the first difference is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose. On the other hand, the effect may be inverted. Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people. The question resulting is, whether small or extensive republics are more favorable to the election of proper guardians of the public weal; and it is clearly decided in favor of the latter by two obvious considerations..."
Analysis: The developers of American government considered very specifically how certain aspects of a government would have both negative and positive qualities. For this reason they were able to focus on fine-tuning specific aspects, such as the numbers of representatives in each house and how they corresponded to population, to create as effective a system of representation as possible and reduce the "noise" of the self-serving intentions of bad-intentioned elected officials.
"It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure. There are but two methods of providing against this evil: the one by creating a will in the community independent of the majority -- that is, of the society itself; the other, by comprehending in the society so many separate descriptions of citizens as will render an unjust combination of a majority of the whole very improbable, if not impracticable."
Analysis:
The framers considered how pure democracy, in which the majority rules, can have damaging effects on minorities who will always lose against a majority prejudiced against them. In this, they decided that education of citizens and a collective understanding of greater complexities would solve the problem; they compromised in some ways, making the government sustainable, if not perfectly representative.
Analysis: The developers of American government considered very specifically how certain aspects of a government would have both negative and positive qualities. For this reason they were able to focus on fine-tuning specific aspects, such as the numbers of representatives in each house and how they corresponded to population, to create as effective a system of representation as possible and reduce the "noise" of the self-serving intentions of bad-intentioned elected officials.
"This policy of supplying, by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, private as well as public. We see it particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power, where the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other -- that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights. These inventions of prudence cannot be less requisite in the distribution of the supreme powers of the State."
Analysis:
American government has been a model for nations across the globe because the powers of the government are divided between branches, departments, and individuals, such that no one individual or group can utterly dominate affairs and do significant damage by ignoring the will of the people.
Analysis:
American government has been a model for nations across the globe because the powers of the government are divided between branches, departments, and individuals, such that no one individual or group can utterly dominate affairs and do significant damage by ignoring the will of the people.
"It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part. Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure. There are but two methods of providing against this evil: the one by creating a will in the community independent of the majority -- that is, of the society itself; the other, by comprehending in the society so many separate descriptions of citizens as will render an unjust combination of a majority of the whole very improbable, if not impracticable."
Analysis:
The framers considered how pure democracy, in which the majority rules, can have damaging effects on minorities who will always lose against a majority prejudiced against them. In this, they decided that education of citizens and a collective understanding of greater complexities would solve the problem; they compromised in some ways, making the government sustainable, if not perfectly representative.
Why Does the American Form of Government Work?
Federalist Essays #10:
"If a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote. It may clog the administration, it may convulse the society; but it will be unable to execute and mask its violence under the forms of the Constitution. When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. To secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our inquiries are directed."
"The smaller the society, the fewer probably will be the distinct parties and interests composing it; the fewer the distinct parties and interests, the more frequently will a majority be found of the same party; and the smaller the number of individuals composing a majority, and the smaller the compass within which they are placed, the more easily will they concert and execute their plans of oppression. Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength, and to act in unison with each other. Besides other impediments, it may be remarked that, where there is a consciousness of unjust or dishonorable purposes, communication is always checked by distrust in proportion to the number whose concurrence is necessary."
In this paper, Madison identifies one of the largest threats facing a functioning government is preventing one party or one set of interests to entirely dominate the legislative or political decision making. This is important because if the government was controlled entirely by one group, they could pass policies to limit the rights of opposition party or other classes. He argues that the best way to accomplish this is to create a large republic, which would involve all the colonies joining together. His argument for this is that by having a society with more unique views, it makes a powerful majority less likely to form. One reason for this is that there are more nuanced differences in the policies of different groups. For example. if a majority of rich land owners comes to power, normally they could take action to hurt the liberties of the poor. However, it is possible that such a policy could not be passed over the entire country because of economic differences in the South and New England. The different goals of the regions prevents the policy from passing, even though a majority has formed. This is the argument Madison makes for why all 13 colonies must be part of a single republic.
Federal Essays #51
"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others. Were this principle rigorously adhered to, it would require that all the appointments for the supreme executive, legislative, and judiciary magistracies should be drawn from the same fountain of authority, the people, through channels having no communication whatever with one another. Perhaps such a plan of constructing the several departments would be less difficult in practice than it may in contemplation appear. Some difficulties, however, and some additional expense would attend the execution of it. Some deviations, therefore, from the principle must be admitted. In the constitution of the judiciary department in particular, it might be inexpedient to insist rigorously on the principle: first, because peculiar qualifications being essential in the members, the primary consideration ought to be to select that mode of choice which best secures these qualifications; secondly, because the permanent tenure by which the appointments are held in that department, must soon destroy all sense of dependence on the authority conferring them."
"But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place."
Federalist Essay #51 argues for a system of checks and balances to be placed on government, but also explains why the particular system laid out in the Constitution is the best way to do it. He concedes that an in an ideal world, every public official would derive their power from the people and only the people. However, that world does not function, both because it would be impossible to elect that many people, and sometimes qualifications are more important than where their power comes from, such as with judges. As a result, he instead argues that instead of less power over each other, the branches of government should have more power over each other. By each branch being able to check the advances of each of the others, no one branch is ever granted excess power or an overbearing role in government. Although it may seem contrary at first, the best way to prevent a branch of government from gaining power over another branch is to give all the branches power over each other to start with.
"If a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote. It may clog the administration, it may convulse the society; but it will be unable to execute and mask its violence under the forms of the Constitution. When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. To secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our inquiries are directed."
"The smaller the society, the fewer probably will be the distinct parties and interests composing it; the fewer the distinct parties and interests, the more frequently will a majority be found of the same party; and the smaller the number of individuals composing a majority, and the smaller the compass within which they are placed, the more easily will they concert and execute their plans of oppression. Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength, and to act in unison with each other. Besides other impediments, it may be remarked that, where there is a consciousness of unjust or dishonorable purposes, communication is always checked by distrust in proportion to the number whose concurrence is necessary."
In this paper, Madison identifies one of the largest threats facing a functioning government is preventing one party or one set of interests to entirely dominate the legislative or political decision making. This is important because if the government was controlled entirely by one group, they could pass policies to limit the rights of opposition party or other classes. He argues that the best way to accomplish this is to create a large republic, which would involve all the colonies joining together. His argument for this is that by having a society with more unique views, it makes a powerful majority less likely to form. One reason for this is that there are more nuanced differences in the policies of different groups. For example. if a majority of rich land owners comes to power, normally they could take action to hurt the liberties of the poor. However, it is possible that such a policy could not be passed over the entire country because of economic differences in the South and New England. The different goals of the regions prevents the policy from passing, even though a majority has formed. This is the argument Madison makes for why all 13 colonies must be part of a single republic.
Federal Essays #51
"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others. Were this principle rigorously adhered to, it would require that all the appointments for the supreme executive, legislative, and judiciary magistracies should be drawn from the same fountain of authority, the people, through channels having no communication whatever with one another. Perhaps such a plan of constructing the several departments would be less difficult in practice than it may in contemplation appear. Some difficulties, however, and some additional expense would attend the execution of it. Some deviations, therefore, from the principle must be admitted. In the constitution of the judiciary department in particular, it might be inexpedient to insist rigorously on the principle: first, because peculiar qualifications being essential in the members, the primary consideration ought to be to select that mode of choice which best secures these qualifications; secondly, because the permanent tenure by which the appointments are held in that department, must soon destroy all sense of dependence on the authority conferring them."
"But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place."
Federalist Essay #51 argues for a system of checks and balances to be placed on government, but also explains why the particular system laid out in the Constitution is the best way to do it. He concedes that an in an ideal world, every public official would derive their power from the people and only the people. However, that world does not function, both because it would be impossible to elect that many people, and sometimes qualifications are more important than where their power comes from, such as with judges. As a result, he instead argues that instead of less power over each other, the branches of government should have more power over each other. By each branch being able to check the advances of each of the others, no one branch is ever granted excess power or an overbearing role in government. Although it may seem contrary at first, the best way to prevent a branch of government from gaining power over another branch is to give all the branches power over each other to start with.
Why does the American form of government work?
No. 10:
"If a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote. . . . but it will be unable to execute and mask its violence under the forms of the Constitution. When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. To secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our inquiries are directed."
In this quote, Madison describes how government reacts if a disruptive faction starts causing problems in society. He writes that as long as the majority of the people are not part of the bad faction, they can "defeat its sinister views by regular vote." He says that as long as the unruly faction is not comprised of the majority of the people, then the majority which will be comprised of the rest of the people can rise and pass legislation to stop that faction. Madison also brings up the downside of ruling with popular factions. They can become overly powerful and take power away from the minority factions. He says that point as to if the majority of the people are part of the unlawful faction. There, he says that it will be up to the rest of the people to sacrifice their passions in order to preserve the public good of the rest of the people. He says that to avoid that the people have to "preserve the spirit and the form of popular government", meaning that it will be up the the wholehearted goodness of the people to ensure a government will not fall into chaos.
"If a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote. . . . but it will be unable to execute and mask its violence under the forms of the Constitution. When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. To secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our inquiries are directed."
In this quote, Madison describes how government reacts if a disruptive faction starts causing problems in society. He writes that as long as the majority of the people are not part of the bad faction, they can "defeat its sinister views by regular vote." He says that as long as the unruly faction is not comprised of the majority of the people, then the majority which will be comprised of the rest of the people can rise and pass legislation to stop that faction. Madison also brings up the downside of ruling with popular factions. They can become overly powerful and take power away from the minority factions. He says that point as to if the majority of the people are part of the unlawful faction. There, he says that it will be up to the rest of the people to sacrifice their passions in order to preserve the public good of the rest of the people. He says that to avoid that the people have to "preserve the spirit and the form of popular government", meaning that it will be up the the wholehearted goodness of the people to ensure a government will not fall into chaos.
No. 51:
"In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy may as truly be said to reign as in a state of nature, where the weaker individual is not secured against the violence of the stronger; and as, in the latter state, even the stronger individuals are prompted, by the uncertainty of their condition, to submit to a government which may protect the weak as well as themselves; so, in the former state, will the more powerful factions or parties be gradually induced, by a like motive, to wish for a government which will protect all parties, the weaker as well as the more powerful."
In this quote, Madison is saying that in order for a government to be successful and not overrun by corrupt people, there need to be "more powerful factions or parties be gradually introduced". What he is saying here is that with more factions vying for control, the flux of power will always be balanced between the various factions. As long as there is a good balance, no faction should be able to take overthrow the republic. This connects to Federalist Essays No. 10 because in both he discusses the issues of various factions. He talks about the need for the factions to be ruled by the popular government, and the fact that there needs to be multiple power factions in order to keep the balance not shifted in one way.
Federalist Paper #51
“But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others.” This means for every department Legislative, Executive and Judicial should be independent. The election process mostly have to do with the people and the state and not the the other branches and that is Madison is pointing out. The only way out is judicial branch the people can not only pick the judicial branch they have also have to pick the Executive and Judicial. He says that the legislative is the strongest because the people say the power. That is why Madison says we need to give them life time jobs so they feeling of independence. As I said that the legislation is the most powerful branch so they don’t want that branch to get so powerful so that power doesn’t get all that power to be turned against other people. This works because now the people are been heard and it’s not only the people with power been heard it everyone been heard.
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” What he is saying is that look we know that we are men we have faults. We are going to create a government but people might screw it up If everyone will agree that if we were all angels, no state would be necessary, and if angels was the governors , they would not require internal or external constraints to ensure that they governernment. People will try to always be better than others. They will hurt each other if it brings benefit to themselves. Angels are good because god sent them. People are bad because the “devil” are tempting to go outraged. What he is trying to say is that we want a government that will work and not fall and become another war. This works because he is putting himself in people’s shoes because the people always felt left out and not been into consideration. It also shows that when the government is not is not the best government the people don’t have to “sin”(go crazy). All the people have to do is bring their opinions to the government.
Why does the American form of government work?
Federalist Papers No. 10:
"No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time; yet what are many of the most important acts of legislation, but so many judicial determinations, not indeed concerning the rights of single persons, but concerning the rights of large bodies of citizens? "
"In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the diseases most incident to republican government. And according to the degree of pleasure and pride we feel in being republicans, ought to be our zeal in cherishing the spirit and supporting the character of Federalists."
Federalist Paper No. 51:
"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others."
"A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions. This policy of supplying, by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, private as well as public. "
"No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time; yet what are many of the most important acts of legislation, but so many judicial determinations, not indeed concerning the rights of single persons, but concerning the rights of large bodies of citizens? "
"In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the diseases most incident to republican government. And according to the degree of pleasure and pride we feel in being republicans, ought to be our zeal in cherishing the spirit and supporting the character of Federalists."
Federalist Paper No. 51:
"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others."
"A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions. This policy of supplying, by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, private as well as public. "
RESPONSE: Why does the American form of government work?
Based on the passages above, I would say that the American form of government works essentially because of the division of many separate branches concerning all forms of government that work with separate factions of commerce, etc. But the reason that this particularly WORKS, as shown in Federalist Paper 51, is that the members of their respective branches are able to be dependent on each other, but not TOO dependent, so that there's a balance of power between them. This balance of power is constantly "checked", and it is because of this that liberty is preserved, and the government works.
Based on the passages above, I would say that the American form of government works essentially because of the division of many separate branches concerning all forms of government that work with separate factions of commerce, etc. But the reason that this particularly WORKS, as shown in Federalist Paper 51, is that the members of their respective branches are able to be dependent on each other, but not TOO dependent, so that there's a balance of power between them. This balance of power is constantly "checked", and it is because of this that liberty is preserved, and the government works.
Why Does the American Form of Government Work?
"The effect of the [delegation of government] is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose."
"The other point of difference is, the greater number of citizens and extent of territory which may be brought within the compass of republican than of democratic government... Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength, and to act in unison with each other."
In Federalist Paper No. 10, Madison argues that factions, created by inherent differences in opinion, have been the most dangerous culminations toward direct democracies, as the will of the majority can be persuaded into unjust actions. Madison finds the solution to maligned factions through a republic, where representatives are chosen by the people to govern. He drives two main arguments to support this. In the first passage, he says that delegating government to representatives "refines and enlarges the public views," as these representatives "may best discern the true interest of their country," and will thus take actions that are better "to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves." In essence, representatives can voice the public opinion while keeping check more malicious factions – they filter public views through wisdom. The second passage argues that republics also can extend the sphere of democracy. Whereas in direct democracies, larger societies cannot function, Madison says that "the greater number of citizens... may be brought within the compass of republican" governments, as the governing body is much smaller than that of the actual population. More importantly, the argument is made that by extending democracy, majorities have less common motive – when the public is millions of people large, malicious intent will have a smaller impact, as "it will be more difficult for all who feel [a common motive]... to act in unison..."
"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government... it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others... A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.
"In the extended republic of the United States, and among the great variety of interests, parties, and sects which it embraces, a coalition of a majority of the whole society could seldom take place on any other principles than those of justice and the general good; whilst there being thus less danger to a minor from the will of a major party, there must be less pretext, also, to provide for the security of the former, by introducing into the government a will not dependent on the latter, or, in other words, a will independent of the society itself."
In Federalist Paper No. 51, Madison introduces the idea of check and balances. While the government's power should purely be derived from the people, checks are necessary within the government to make sure it functions properly. This form of republican government works to fight against the power of the majority, as in an extended republic, he argues, the majorities themselves will be too sectional and fractured to agree on anything besides general principles of good. The first passage labels the thesis – the government needs to maintain control over its own functions through the "separate and distinct exercise" of its different forms. These separate branches should hold check over each other and should each "have a will of its own." While the government serves to be "a dependence on the people," balances within government, Madison argues, are necessary precautions. The second passage follows the theme laid in the Federalist Papers No. 10. To check against majority will, Madison argues that in extended republics majorities will have no collective common interest but that "of justice and general good." He also floats the idea of "a will independent of the society itself," or a will that is purely the governments as a method to make sure minorities' rights are respected.
Why Does the American Form of Government Work?
The Federalist #10
The Federalist #10
"From this view of the subject it may be concluded that a pure democracy, by which I mean a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person, can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction."
In this quote, James Madison concludes that a pure democracy, which he views as total equality for everyone, would be unable to counter powerful and corrupt groups. Therefore, he argues, it a democratic republic is the most effective form of government, because the elected few are intelligent and righteous enough to limit the influence of factions. Madison's point of view here gives great insight into why the United States' government has functioned successfully for so long. As referenced in the article, there have been many instances of failed democracy, which has come from corruption induced by large factions. In the U.S, such factions exist, but the elected representatives are elite members of society, and are much less likely to allow outside interest groups to influence them.
"The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States."
Here, James Madison says that states will be vulnerable to the influence of factions. However, Madison argues that because of the democratic republic system, this influence would be unable to spread throughout the nation. Madison's idea about states once again shows the American desire for democracy, as well as its lack of naivety regarding the subject. States are run very democratically, with each citizen's vote counting towards the final outcome, which Madison understands to be very dangerous in terms of the vulnerability towards corrupt groups. However, on any occasion where an elected representative is in the pocket of a faction, other elected representatives would nullify his power.
The Federalist #51
"But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others."
James Madison's main point in the beginning of this article discusses the relationship between the three branches of government. In the quote above, James Madison each one as a way to curb each other's power so as to avoid all the power being placed in one way of thinking. Therefore, Madison argues that it is necessary to keep all three branches independent, so all three branches do not end up with the same opinions and biases. This shows the effectiveness of the American system compared to democracies of the past, where people or groups with special interests had easy access to power.
"There are but two methods of providing against this evil: the one by creating a will in the community independent of the majority -- that is, of the society itself; the other, by comprehending in the society so many separate descriptions of citizens as will render an unjust combination of a majority of the whole very improbable, if not impracticable.
In this passage, James Madison argues that democracies would normally give too much power to the majority. Madison believes that this is a problem because it would mean the government ignores the needs of minority. Therefore, he suggests creating separate descriptions of citizens so as to divide society up, and make a majority very difficult to achieve. This valuation of the minority also represents a facet of American government that is integral to its success. By making sure the minorities are fairly represented, government officials cannot only appeal to a majority.
Why does the American form of government work? Federalist essay 51
"There are but two methods of providing against this evil: the one by creating a will in the community independent of the majority that is, of the society itself; the other, by comprehending in the society so many separate descriptions of citizens as will render an unjust combination of a majority of the whole very improbable, if not impracticable. The first method prevails in all governments possessing an hereditary or self-appointed authority. This, at best, is but a precarious security; because a power independent of the society may as well espouse the unjust views of the major, as the rightful interests of the minor party, and may possibly be turned against both parties. The second method will be exemplified in the federal republic of the United States. Whilst all authority in it will be derived from and dependent on the society, the society itself will be broken into so many parts, interests, and classes of citizens, that the rights of individuals, or of the minority, will be in little danger from interested combinations of the majority." Federalist Paper 51
This section of the 51st Federalist Paper written by James Madison, exemplify another way in which the American form of government has worked so well, by a balance of power between the different legislatures and making the people and government dependent of each other. By imposing these balances on the different branches and by making sure that they are separate and do not rely on one another it allows the minority interests to still come forth. Because the government and people are dependent on one another an interesting balance of power is created. Government officials are elected by the people, so in order to keep their positions or gain positions in the government, they must hold the interests and values of the people they represent as a great priority. The people will choose an official who they think best represents their values and needs and the popular opinion or candidate are more likely to prevail. But because there are so many different sections and people involved in the choices that are ultimately made by the government, minority opinions and interests are still represented, ensuring that the minority is not completely overwhelmed by the majority. These balances and interdependence of the government and people is what has kept the American form of government working for so long. So long as the people are happy or at least justly represented, the government will be supported and function.
This section of the 51st Federalist Paper written by James Madison, exemplify another way in which the American form of government has worked so well, by a balance of power between the different legislatures and making the people and government dependent of each other. By imposing these balances on the different branches and by making sure that they are separate and do not rely on one another it allows the minority interests to still come forth. Because the government and people are dependent on one another an interesting balance of power is created. Government officials are elected by the people, so in order to keep their positions or gain positions in the government, they must hold the interests and values of the people they represent as a great priority. The people will choose an official who they think best represents their values and needs and the popular opinion or candidate are more likely to prevail. But because there are so many different sections and people involved in the choices that are ultimately made by the government, minority opinions and interests are still represented, ensuring that the minority is not completely overwhelmed by the majority. These balances and interdependence of the government and people is what has kept the American form of government working for so long. So long as the people are happy or at least justly represented, the government will be supported and function.
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