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.