Founding document · 1788

The Federalist No. 51

Explaining how the Constitution would keep each branch within its proper limits, the essay argued that “ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” giving each department the constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachment by the others. Combined with the division of power between the national and state governments — a “double security” for the rights of the people — this structure was meant to guard against both tyranny and oppression by a majority faction.

“But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? 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.”

James Madison (as “Publius”), February 6, 1788

Why it matters

Its account of separation of powers and checks and balances is among the most quoted explanations of the Constitution’s design; its authorship, once disputed between Hamilton and Madison, is now generally credited to Madison.

Read the full text at founders.archives.gov

Primary Source

The original record, reproduced or linked from the institution that holds it. Primary sources show what people said and did in their own words.

Subjects

founding constitution separation of powers checks and balances federalism

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