The Federalist Papers

In The Federalist Papers, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay argue in support of the Constitution. One of the more influential articles is Federalist 51 by Madison. In the article Madison discusses the separation of powers and the theory of checks and balances. He contends, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.” In stating this, Madison says …

…belief that external and internal controls must exist. While separation of powers prevents any group of individuals from getting control of government as a whole, checks and balances prevents groups of individuals from getting control of individual branches. A corrupt Congress can try to enact laws, but the President can veto them, and the courts can nullify them. Through the Constitution and the implementation of these principles Madison’s beliefs have been enacted into law.