Why Our Government Works

The Federalist papers number 10 and number 51 were fundamental in shaping our government today. Madison argues for a more centralized powerful government in these argumentative essays. Within these writings are the true reasons why our American government works. Our government is based on the ideas of separation of powers. Federalist paper number 51 deals with the separation of powers so that no one faction or political party can take control of the government. It also states that each branch of government should be equal in power and be separated.In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own: and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others”. This quote argues that the branches should have distinct powers and that the members of these branches should have no say in the election of members of the other branches. This is to make sure that no one branch of government can control the rest of the government.

“No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgement, and not improbably, corrupt his integrity. with equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time: yet what are many of the most important acts of legislation, but so many judicial determination, not indeed concerning the rights of single persons, but concerning the rights of large bodies of citizens? and what are the different classes of legislators but advocates and parties to the causes which they determine? This passage from Federalist papers number 10 talks about the separation of powers in the branches of government. Madison reasons that one man should not be able to be his own judge in principle. This applies to one branch taking control of all the others. This one branch could decide what is legal, make legislation, and enforce it. This to them is corrupting and concerning that one body could alter the rights of so many citizens. Ultimately, separation of powers is what makes our government work.