A text box reads, 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 ... the great difficulty lies in this, you must first enable the government to control the governed, and in the next place oblige it to control itself. - James Madison, Federalist No. 51
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Which of the following laws and policies would best reflect James Madison's vision of government as expressed in the statement above?
Income taxes
Gun-control laws
Peacetime military drafts
Public-works projects
1. B
2. C
3. C
4.C
Gun-control laws?
It's hard to see how any of the four choices fit neatly into Madison's hypothesis. Gun control laws put controls on the populace. Income taxes actually put no overt control on anyone, but taxes are necessary to fund the government. Maybe income taxes fit best in that it is a control on the people to fund government activities but law restricts the government from wantonly seizing property. It's a hard question and I wish better choices had been given.
b) gun control laws
Monica is right I just took the test thx
To determine which of the given laws and policies would best reflect James Madison's vision of government, we need to consider his statement and the underlying principles behind it. In his statement, Madison highlights the need for both government control over the governed and self-control within the government.
1. Income taxes: While income taxes do enable the government to exercise some control over the governed by providing funding for public services and programs, they do not directly reflect the notion of self-control within the government. Therefore, income taxes alone do not best reflect Madison's vision.
2. Gun-control laws: Gun control laws can be seen as a means for the government to control the governed by regulating access to firearms. However, they do not directly address the crucial aspect of obliging the government to control itself. So, gun-control laws are not the best reflection of Madison's vision.
3. Peacetime military drafts: Peacetime military drafts are a mechanism through which the government asserts control over the governed by conscripting individuals into military service. However, again, they do not directly address the idea of self-control within the government. So, peacetime military drafts are not the best reflection of Madison's vision.
4. Public-works projects: Public-works projects involve the government undertaking large-scale infrastructure development and improvement initiatives. While these projects may enable the government to control the governed in terms of providing essential services and employment opportunities, as well as maintain stability and economic growth, they do not explicitly address self-control within the government. So, public-works projects alone do not best reflect Madison's vision.
In conclusion, out of the given options, none of the laws and policies listed directly encompass both aspects of Madison's vision of government. However, if we were to consider the closest match, public-works projects would likely be the most aligned with Madison's vision as they enable the government to control the governed while also contributing to societal well-being.