Federalist #51

Front 1

What does James Madison do in Federalist #51?

Back 1

James Madison explains and defends the checks and balances system in the Constitution.

Each branch of government is framed so that it’s power checks the power of the other two branches; additionally, each branch of government is dependent on the people, who are the source of legitimate authority.

Front 2

What was the purpose of Federalist #51?

Back 2

Federalist #51 addresses means by which appropriate checks and balances can be created in government and also advocates a separation of powers within the national government.

Front 3

What are two ways Madison lists to protect the “separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government”

Back 3

1) Each branch has it’s own abilities in government.

2) Each branch should not be able to appoint members of others branches.

Front 4

What are two ways that the different powers of government are kept separate and distinct? Wh

Back 4

1. When appointing judiciary members, they must meet qualifications

2. All members of each branch must be appointed by the people

Front 5

What does Madison say is one remedy to ensure that the legislative branch, the strongest branch, does not abuse its power? What

Back 5

The division of the legislative into 2 groups with different means of election and different representatives

Front 6

What lines in Federalist #51 echo Hobbes’ words in Leviathan?

Back 6

Humans are inherently bad = “If men were angels, we wouldn’t need government”.

Front 7

To safeguard freedom, the Framers divided the powers of government among distinct bodies. What are these bodies at the federal level?

Back 7

Legislative, executive, and judicial

Front 8

In James Madison’s words, how did he argue the people could keep the government from becoming too powerful?

Back 8

“By so contriving the interior structure of the government as that its several constituents parts may, by their mutual relations, be the means of keeping eachother in their proper places”.