Why does the American form of government work?

Essay No. 10

"The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended.

The effect of the first difference is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose. On the other hand, the effect may be inverted. Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people. The question resulting is, whether small or extensive republics are more favorable to the election of proper guardians of the public weal; and it is clearly decided in favor of the latter by two obvious considerations."

In these two paragraphs, Madison explains why a republic is a better form of government than a true democracy. He argues that most people in society are not educated enough to make the right decisions, making it possible for decisions that undermine the wellbeing of the country to receive popular support. However in a republic, the elected officials who represent the people are well educated and are able to make the right decisions and still keep the people's interests in mind. However, Madison concedes that these representatives are susceptible to outside influences, which is one flaw of having a republic.

Essay No. 51

"There are, moreover, two considerations particularly applicable to the federal system of America, which place that system in a very interesting point of view. First. In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government; and the usurpations are guarded against by a division of the government into distinct and separate departments. In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments. Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people. The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself."

     Here, Madison argues for the separation of power in our government. Because the people of America are entrusting the security of their rights to the government, there needs to be checks placed on the government in order to ensure that they do not abuse this power. This is done by dividing up the power into multiple departments. Even within each department are smaller departments, further securing the government from complete corruption. By splitting up the power amongst itself, America's government can prevent the concentration of power into the hands of a few and allow for checks and balances.