Popular Sovereignty and Free Government in the Federalist Papers

1
Popular Sovereignty and Free Government in the
Federalist Papers

• This is most important to understand

2
What is a Republic
Madisons definition of a republic is a
government which derives all of its power
directly or indirectly from the great body of the
people, and is administered by persons holding
their offices during pleasure for a limited
period, or during good behavior.
3
Popular Sovereignty and Republican Government
Mr. Madison does include principles of popular
sovereignty in his definition of republican
government. He states, It is essential to such
a government that it be derived from the great
body of society, not from an inconsiderable
proportion of favored class of it, otherwise a
handful of tyrannical noblesmight aspire to the
rank of republicans and claimthe honorable title
of republic.
Mr. Madison goes on to state, It is sufficient
for such government that persons administering it
be appointed, either directly or indirectly, by
the people
4
Examples of Popular Sovereignty
House of Representatives elected by
immediately by the great body of the
people. Senate derives its appointment
indirectly from the people. President is
indirectly derived from the choice of the
people Judges with all other offices of the
unionbe the choice, though a remote choice, of
the people themselves.
5
Republic vs. Democracy
According to Mr. Madison in Essay 10, the two
great points of difference between a democracy
and republic are 1) in a republic the
responsibilities of government is given to a
small number of citizens elected by the people
and, 2) the larger number of citizens and greater
expanse of land which a republic can extend.
6
Dangers of an unlimited Democracy
A pure democracy, where a small number of
citizens assemble to administer the government in
person, cannot stop the disruption of differences
between classes or types of people. Differences
based on wealth, occupation, region, religion,
ethnicity will always exist.
7
Benefits of a Republic
By delegating government is to refine and
enlarge the public views by passing them through
a medium of a choosen body of citizens these
representatives will be better able to determine
the best interest of the people they represent
and the country.
By extending the territory you take in a larger
variety of interests and you make it less likely
that a majority of the whole will have similar
motives to restrict the rights of other citizens
8
Republican government and Free government
In Essay 10, Mr. Madison explains that a
republican government fits the definition of free
government because the voice and wishes of the
people will be represented. Under such
regulation it may well happen that the public
voice, pronounced by the representatives of the
of the people, will be more consonant to the
public good than if pronounce by the people
themselvesif men of factious tempers, of local
prejudices, or of sinister designs,may intrigue,
by corruption, or by other means, first obtain
the suffrages (vote), and then betray the
interests of the people In this case the cure
is the principles of limited government and
popular sovereignty. THEY HAVE LIMITED TERMS AND
WE CAN VOTE THEM OUT
9
Reviewing ideas in 51
It is of great importance in a republic not only
to guard the society against the oppression of
its rulers, but to guard one part of society
against the injustice of the other part.
1a. This statement reflect the concepts and
principles of free government, individual liberty
majority rule and minority rights in that it
desires the free participation of citizens in the
process of government. Authority is dependent on
the society (popular sovereignty) and controls
are placed on government (limited government)
which in turn secures the freedom and liberties
of citizens. By dividing governments into
different levels there is a double security the
the majority will not oppress the rights of the
minority.
10
Reviewing ideas in 51
If a majority be united by a common interest,
the rights of the minority will be insecure
2a. Majority rule could destroy the rights of
Minorities because the majority will sacrifice
the interests of society to their own passions.
They will oppress the rights of the minority.
2b. In the case of hereditary rule or
self-appointed authority monarchy or
dictatorship a minority view could threaten
majority rule, because power is independent of
the society.
2d. Certainly, Madison values majority rule and
minority rights. He supports the principle
majority rule, but, guards against tyranny of
the majority by dividing society into so many
parts. Minority rights are provide for by
multiple levels of government and the authority
place in the society (popular sovereignty).
2c. Madison proposes a FEDERAL system as a
solution. authoritywill be derived from and
dependent on the society, the society itself will
be broken into so many partsthat the rights of
individualswill be in little danger
11
Evaluate these statements

• Pure democracy provides protection against
  tyranny.
• Uncontrolled factions can lead to tyranny of the
  majority.
• A free government is based on popular
  sovereignty.
• Tyranny of the majority is constant threat in a
  society based on popular sovereignty.
• In comparison to alternative forms of government,
  a large federal republic is more likely to
  provide protection of the liberties and rights of
  individuals

• Pure democracy provides protection against
  tyranny.
• Uncontrolled factions can lead to tyranny of the
  majority.
• A free government is based on popular
  sovereignty.
• Tyranny of the majority is constant threat in a
  society based on popular sovereignty.
• In comparison to alternative forms of government,
  a large federal republic is more likely to
  provide protection of the liberties and rights of
  individuals

12
Evaluate these statements

• In a free government, there should be complete
  equality among social groups in wealth, social
  status, and legal matters.
• In a free government, the rights and liberties of
  groups should have priority over the rights and
  liberties of individuals.
• The best protection against tyranny of the
  majority is the good will of the rulers toward
  the rights and liberties of minority groups.
• Factions and social diversity have no place in a
  free government.
• Pure democracy is the same as a federal republic

• In a free government, there should be complete
  equality among social groups in wealth, social
  status, and legal matters.
• In a free government, the rights and liberties of
  groups should have priority over the rights and
  liberties of individuals.
• The best protection against tyranny of the
  majority is the good will of the rulers toward
  the rights and liberties of minority groups.
• Factions and social diversity have no place in a
  free government.
• Pure democracy is the same as a federal republic

13
Evaluate these statements

• Factions have the potential to disrupt society
  and lead to loss of freedom.
• In a free government, there is unlimited rule by
  the majority.
• In a free government, minorities have unlimited
  freedoms and rights.
• Social diversity or pluralism, in an extended
  federal republic, contributes importantly to
  protection of personal rights and liberties.
• A free government protects individuals and
  minority groups against oppression by the
  majority of the people.

• Factions have the potential to disrupt society
  and lead to loss of freedom.
• In a free government, there is unlimited rule by
  the majority.
• In a free government, minorities have unlimited
  freedoms and rights.
• Social diversity or pluralism, in an extended
  federal republic, contributes importantly to
  protection of personal rights and liberties.
• A free government protects individuals and
  minority groups against oppression by the
  majority of the people.