1. James Madison on Checks & Balances

2.  James MadisonAlexander Hamilton Main authors of Federalist Essays:

3.  Purpose of Federalist Essays: NEW YORK!

4.  1)Why is the central government so much more powerful? Because we NEED it to be. 2)Is it too powerful? No. Its power is LIMITED. Thesis of Federalist Essays:

5.  “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” CHECKS & BALANCES!

6.  What is human nature? GreedySelf- interested Power- hungry

7.  “If men were angels…” ANARCHY!

8.  “If angels were to govern men…” DICTATORSHIP!

9.  Job #1: How do “men govern over men?” Control the governed. (prevent ANARCHY) Job #2: Get government to control itself. (prevent DICTATORSHIP) CHECKS & BALANCES!

10.  1 st example of checks & balances: BICAMERLISM Chosen by: Term Length: Representation based on: The People 2 years Population2 per state 6 years State Legislatures

11.  2 nd example of checks & balances: The president can VETO bills passed by the Congress.

12.  1)Strong government is necessary because men are not angels. 1)Checks & balances are necessary because those who govern can’t be trusted. Summary: Fed #51