Federalist No. 51

Summary

Madison explains the internal structure of the government: separated branches, each given the constitutional means and the personal motive to resist encroachment by the others. The design does not depend on the virtue of officeholders. It assumes ambition and sets ambition against itself.

Key Passage

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.

What It Says

Separation of powers works by interest, not by good character. Each branch is armed with the means to defend its own ground against the others.

What It Protects Against

Concentration of power in any one branch, and the assumption that good people in office is a sufficient safeguard.

Problem Addressed

Critics questioned whether parchment barriers between branches would hold once real power was at stake.