Nov 29

Nov 29 Loyal to the Electors? - Federalist #57

In Federalist #57 James Madison continues his discussion on the size of the House of Representatives, arguing that Congresspersons will remain loyal to the people who elected them.

Federalist #57

February 19, 1788

James Madison

In Federalist #57 James Madison argues against the idea that Delegates in the House of Representatives will be unsympathetic to the will of the people.

Anti-Federalists were concerned that Congresspersons would be meeting at a place too distant from their constituents and use the opportunity to act against the interests of the multitude.

Madison disagrees with this for two reasons.

Eclectic Backgrounds

Madison's first point is that the Representatives will not just come from one segment of society.

Instead, Congresspersons were expected to come from all professions and income levels.

This scenario would position Representatives at odds in enough situations to prevent them from colluding against the American people.

Frequency

Madison continues by insisting that Congresspersons would recognize that they owe their position to the people who elected them to office.

Furthermore, elections were held so frequently that Representatives would not have time to conspire against their constituents before being voted out.

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There are dozens (maybe hundreds) of biographies about James Madison.

Personally, I love everything Richard Brookhiser rights, so if you wanted to learn more about the 4th President I highly recommend his book.

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