James Madison's Ultimate Dos and Don'ts To Governing A Nation

In the Federalist Papers #10 and #51, James Madison essentially tackles two issues: the idea of factions in a republic and the most effective government structure for the US. By supporting his propositions through persuasive logic and hypothetical scenarios, Madison's articles define certain parts of American government that still apply today. Though these articles take form in letters and independent journal entries, his core ideas can be summarized in key points.

Without further ado, James Madison's Ultimate Dos and Don'ts To Governing A Nation:

1. DO acknowledge the separate interests of the people.

Madison defines factions in the Federalist Papers #10 as groups of people who band together based on a common interest and often go against popular opinion and cause conflict within a nation. He states that there are two ways to rid of them: by removing liberty or give everyone the same interests. However, as a nation founded specifically on liberty, Madison knows it would essentially be impossible to remove it from the people who fought hard to earn it. He declares, "As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed." Removing one's rights to form and express their own opinions was what triggered the War for Independence in the first place, so it would be best to acknowledge the individual voices of the citizens to avoid revolution.

2.DON'T attempt to micromanage citizens and their opinions.

In Federalist Paper #10, Madison declares, "The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to a uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government." The government's job is to protect the people's' rights, and the right to expression of opinions is one of them. It is impossible to make every single person the same, especially as the nation grows.

3. DO elect representatives to govern and represent the "faction".

Madison states that the "instability, injustice, and confusion" factions bring "have... been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished." As a response to this dilemma, he suggests that factions send elected representatives to the Union so that the people feel like their opinions are being expressed for the greater good of the nation, but "[would] be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States."

4. DON'T give too much power to one branch of government or group.

Rulers can be corrupt. In Federalist Paper #51, Madison addresses this in his proposition to form three branches of government, saying "If men were angels, no government would be necessary." Even though the legislative branch has significantly more power, he states that, "If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure." Madison wants to keep the US government as far away as possible from power-thirsty rulers, and unifying the people against injustice will prevent the power-thirsty from seizing rule.

5. DO make the branches of government work towards a common goal

While it is impossible to give completely equal power to each branch of government, as the legislative branch is significantly more powerful than the others, Madison suggests people should "divide the legislature into different branches... as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit." While the branches will take on their own jobs, "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." Similar to "Don't #4", setting a common goal against injustice will not only unify the people but unify the government as well, as it is in their power as elected representatives to run the nation as safely, effectively, and together as possible.

In conclusion, the reasons why America’s current government system works are clear. Checks and balances in power between branches of government and citizens are essential in order to prevent power-thirsty leaders from taking control, and the legislative branch must be split in two to make sure that it does not have too much authority. The common goal against injustice ultimately unite the American people, causing them to work and help make the nation better. While factions are inevitable, none formed in the United States have so far disrupted the government to a breaking point. This is because elected officials are allowed to represent their group in the Union, which allows the “factions” to express themselves without harming the nation. Both of James Madison’s writings essentially helped America find its footing in its early days as a national government, and will continue to keep America solid and working smoothly for many years to come.