Similarities Between Lee's Emission To The Constitution And The Federalist No. 51

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“Richard Henry Lee’s Objection to the Constitution” and James Madison’s “The Federalist No. 51” contend about the positive and negative effects of the Constitution. Both essays are important documents for early American history, and both contain valid points. James Madison, however, presents the better argument with his diplomatic, content, and logical approach. “The Federalist No. 51” begins with a question about how America can properly divide government power (Madison 1). Madison believes the Constitution is the answer because it gives the foundations and tools to keeping the power of the government for the people. The essay continues as the author to examine how the government will look under the Constitution. He proclaims that each government department will be able to operate independently. Members of these departments should have as little say as possible in who is appointed in the members of the others. Departments should also be as self-governing as …show more content…

When a men rule over other men, that can be dangerous and even deadly. The government must control the governed and control itself (Madison 1). A nation’s administration must depend on people for its direction, but there are some reservations that must be maintained. Two views are presented about why the federal system of America should follow a constitution. The first is that usurpations are protected with the division and distinctions in governmental departments (Madison 2). The second stresses the importance of guarding a society against oppression (Madison 2). If the majority is united, the minority is left unprotected without the Constitution. Madison ends the essay by restressing that the Constitution will protect the people of America because it protects people’s rights, limits government, and looks out for the minority. The Constitution must stand if this newfound American government wishes to

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