Federalist Paper 51 Analysis

The federalist papers were a series of eighty-five essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay in 1787 and 1788. The purpose of these papers was to gain support for the US Constitution, especially in New York. The Papers were instrumental because they give a good insight into the Framers’ minds. In Federalist Paper 51 presents a proper and workable system of checks and balances between the several main departments of branches, of government. James Madison wrote Federalist 51 with great emphasis on separation of powers. As quoted from the text, “... to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the …show more content…
The citizens fought a war to free themselves of the perceived tyranny of a King who was not kept in check or subject to any balancing of interests at all. At that time, separation of powers among the government system was one of the best system that could have been adapted in the government system. Also, I believe when Madison wrote the paper he was very concerned about the relationship between popular government and human nature. In the papers, he sums up that each of the government is dependent on the people, who are the source of legitimate authority. He stated, “ a dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.” Basically this idea proposes that the federal government is dependent on the citizens, specifically those elected to represent the wishes of the people are elected by the people. Essentially, elections are important to resist tyranny, but they are not enough. Others measures are needed, in this case it would be separation of powers, checks and balances and