James Madison's Political Philosophy Reflected in the Constitution

B. James Madison's Political Philosophy Reflected in the Constitution

There are three main points that can be concluded as the result of Madison's political philosophy on the paper no. 10. Those are: the nature of faction (the state of There are three main points that can be concluded as the result of Madison's political philosophy on the paper no. 10. Those are: the nature of faction (the state of

The formation of extended republican system can be seen through United States governmental system and its division of powers: executive, legislative, judiciary powers and it is lawfully written in US Constitution. The structure of the

Constitution covers the protection of people‘s different faculties as well as natural rights, which is proven in Constitution‘s preamble. Points written in the preamble are taken as the realization of the effort to protect people, specifically to protect their

freedom in accessing their rights. The existence of natural rights provides reason for factions to form. It grows from the demands of the people to express their truest self interests. What becomes the main job of the government is to protect the rights of its people. And this protection, becomes real when Madison proposed his theory of extended republican which is realized through the Constitution.

Madison admitted the importance of faction as people‘s medium of self expressions. Yet just like two sides of a coin, faction also has negative tendencies,

which can get worst when the government cannot take proper control to it. After explaining the danger that faction might cause, Madison introduced the systemic form of government under republican principle, specifically the extended republican system, and the need to control faction. ―A republic, by which I mean a government which can get worst when the government cannot take proper control to it. After explaining the danger that faction might cause, Madison introduced the systemic form of government under republican principle, specifically the extended republican system, and the need to control faction. ―A republic, by which I mean a government

young US with strong central government. This happened because of the lack of authority from central government to the states. The states did not reward their trusts to central government, and by all means they tried to create controllable central government so it would work based on the states‘ demands. Through Federalist Paper

no. 10, Madison explained his version of ideal government by proposing extended republican system.

To show the connection between James Madison‘s political philosophy and the Constitution, we need to re-evaluate the substantial elements in each of the two in

two ways: (i) the core of Madison‘s political philosophy, and (ii) the content of Constitution itself. First, Madison‘s political philosophy is summarized in his idea of

extended republican government of which its system is formed by adjustable representations or government on chosen body of citizens. Second, the Constitution rules the formation of US government under republican system, which also works by means of representation. And this scheme of representation based on Madison‘s political philosophy is clearly seen especially by the existence of Congressional membership (legislative branch) and is secured by the existence of checks and balances, which protects the application of government by the people through a chosen body of citizens .

Constitution‘s content. In other words, Constitution of United States solidifies Madison‘s philosophical thinking of ideal government. Madison defined a republic in two related points. ―A republic, by which I mean a government in which the scheme of representation takes place…‖ (Federalist Paper no. 10). First, as stated on the

Federalist Paper no. 10 Madison underlined the point of representation to differ this system from pure democracy which was experienced by the United States in its early settlement. ―..the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter (republican system) may be extended. ‖ (Federalist Paper no. 10). This point of representation is clearly seen through US legislative‘s branch formation.

Second, Madison defined republic by emphasizing the flexibility of a republican government. Seeing the States‘ large geographical area, it is impossible to

apply direct democracy. Republican fits best because each state will be represented through a body of selected citizens, called Congress based on its population. “Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed.” (The Constitution of United States, Article I, Section 2 – The

House http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am14S2 ). In the context of Constitution , the word ―apportioned” means that each state gets a number based on its population. Large areas with more population will have more seats in Congress since they represent more interests compared to smaller states. Small states‘ people tend to have more similar interests because geographically, they are not as vastly House http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am14S2 ). In the context of Constitution , the word ―apportioned” means that each state gets a number based on its population. Large areas with more population will have more seats in Congress since they represent more interests compared to smaller states. Small states‘ people tend to have more similar interests because geographically, they are not as vastly

each state‘s demands can be fairly delivered through their representatives. Hence, there will be no ignored interests, because all aspirations are counted as well as represented.

The key element of Madison‘s political philosophy is the republican system that he had advocated; and representative government becomes the spirit of republican system. Thus republican system and representative government are two

inseparable things which are formed in Madison‘s mind. In strengthening the point of representation in republican system, Madis on noted that a republic is run by ―chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country ‖ (Federalist Paper no. 10). The interests of whole people are decided by their

representations in the government. US people reward them with trusts in voicing their aspirations for a greater good. Constitution of United States rules the formation of a republic through its division of tasks for the government done by the chosen body of citizens. This is proven in the existence of three different branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial branch) especially the legislative branch, since it is

consisted of people‘s representations, with its divided tasks. The general definition of

a republic quoted below gives a clearer of what republican government is and how it is closely related to the point of representation, a republic quoted below gives a clearer of what republican government is and how it is closely related to the point of representation,

electorate.‖ (Long, Hamilton Abert. (1976). An Important Distinction: Democracy versus Republic. Sec.3, par.1 )

Through the general definition of a republic above, the existence of written Constitution rules the operating government. Its purpose is to make sure that

government works based on people‘s demands and there will be no violation of their rights. The composition of this type of government is limited. Feature which differentiates a republic from other well- known political system such as British‘s

monarch is the existence of the three branches of government: legislative, executive, judicial branch. These three branches ‘ works are guided by the Constitution and being given its specific tasks in it. This division of branch is also called as the Separation of Po wer, where the three branches‘ main purpose is to prevent the majority to rule. Through US‘ separation of power each branch has equal power: the powers of one branch can be challenged by another branch (checks and balances). There is no certain branch which is too powerful compared to the rest, because the Constitution has divided to each branch to have certain powers so they can use it to check and balance the operations or powers from the other branches.

The existence of checks and balances system perfects the application of Madison‘s theory of extended republican government. Checks and balances exists to

secure the government, to protect the operating government from abuse of powers done by any branch of government. With checks and balances system, each of the secure the government, to protect the operating government from abuse of powers done by any branch of government. With checks and balances system, each of the

In terms of contextual and content, the Constitution is possible for changes. It is open for amendments, and the method of changing the content is also written in the Constitution. Yet in fact the Constitution has become the oldest Federal constitution in existence, not to mention its compact and to the point contents.

The Constitution of United States itself is reviving Madison‘s basic idea to form a government which safeguards people‘s rights and promotes public good.

Constitution divides the tasks of three branches of the government, which functions in securing the political life of the nation through checks and balances system.

Legislative branch‘s membership comes from people‘s representations and this is inspired by Madison‘s thought on government by chosen body of citizens.