Federalist No. 51: Difference between revisions

Federalist No. 51 (view source)

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 '''''<big>This policy of supplying, by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, private as well as public. We see it particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power, where the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights. These inventions of prudence cannot be less requisite in the distribution of the supreme powers of the State.</big>'''''
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+== Checks & Balances ==
+Madison now introduces the concept of "opposite and rival interests," which we call today "checks and balances."  He explains that the necessary "constant aim" of government -- if it is to protect the liberties of its people -- is to "divide" and "check" one part against the other in order to protect the liberties of the citizens
+* "private interest of every individual may be sentinel over the public rights"
+** = protection of private (individual) rights are more important than the "public" (government) rights
+Therefore, Madison argues, the "private interest" (rights)  must not be "less requisite" than the "supreme powers of the State"
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