The Federalist papers were a collection of documents written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. They wrote The Federalist No. 51 in 1787 seeking to discuss the issue over the distribution of power. Initially, they had intended the papers to be read by the merchants of New York, whose support they essentially needed to defeat the upstate Antifederalists, but ultimately, The Federalist papers were read all over the United States (Peacock). The executive, legislative, and judiciary were the three branches of government that were formed under the constitution. Although the three branches were independent and served their own function with the new government, some feared one of them could dominate the other two. That would nullify the whole purpose of dividing the government. Government should not only be governing the governed but also itself, as well, and have a means of checking the aspirations of those who rise to powerful position within the government.
According to Madison, Jay and Hamilton, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary” (Madison, Jay, and Hamilton). If all men were good, they would act and behave in a way that would be beneficial for everyone and therefore no system to pass laws or punish crimes would be needed. In a sense, this would be a utopian society, where people would collectively deal with their own problems. However, Madison, Jay and Hamilton recognized that it was impossible and naïve to try to create a utopian society. Thus, the only way of keeping the flaws of mankind in check is when government is a reflection of human nature. They argue that giving each branches measures, within itself, to neutralize the potential manipulation from the other two branches is the best means of preventing the centralization of all power into a single branch. Thus, “checks and balances” are necessary for a government to keep itself under control.
Although the main idea and significance of The Federalist No. 51 was to discuss the distribution of powers among the three branches of the government, the possibility of centralization of powers, and to offer a solution, however, The Federalist papers as a whole were written for separate purpose. As mentioned, Madison, Jay and Hamilton wrote these papers to the citizens of New York City, and they wrote them in order to urge the people to ratify the new Constitution of the United States ("Constitutional Rights Foundation"). It is said that The Federalist papers are a fundamental source when it comes to understanding and interpreting the true intent of the Constitution.
Works Cited
"The Federalist Papers." Constitutional Rights Foundation. Constitutional Rights Foundation. Web. 27 Feb 2013.
Madison, James, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. The Federalist Papers. Signet Classic, 2003. Print.
Peacock, Anthony A.. "The Federalist Papers." The Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation. Web. 27 Feb 2013.
