Federalist No. 51

Madison wrote Federalist No. 51 to lay out the reasons for three separate independent branches of the national government. This would ensure the people had their liberty. Madison preferred that each branch be elected by the people, but he realized the judicial branch had special qualifications making that impossible. Madison also argued that checks and balances would prevent one branch of government from becoming too strong. As in Federalist No. 10., Madison is concerned about factions but sees the election of government officeholders as the solution.

Key Quote:

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”