Which of the following are reasons why Madison supported the ratification of the Constitution in the Federalist Papers? Select all that apply.
a. power of the executive branch
b. competent representation in government***
c. checks and balances
d. limited government
e. Bill of Rights***
Nice C**k
I am confused because the assignment says there are only 2 correct answers, but the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1791.
To determine the reasons why Madison supported the ratification of the Constitution in the Federalist Papers, we need to understand the context and content of the Federalist Papers, particularly Madison's contributions. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays published in newspapers in 1787 and 1788, written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, in defense of the newly drafted U.S. Constitution. Madison, often considered the main author of the Federalist Papers, laid out numerous reasons for supporting the Constitution.
a. Power of the executive branch: This is not considered one of the primary reasons Madison emphasized in the Federalist Papers. While Madison did support a strong executive branch, it was not a central focus of his argument for ratifying the Constitution.
b. Competent representation in government: This is a key reason highlighted by Madison in the Federalist Papers. Madison emphasized the idea that the Constitution would provide a better system for selecting competent representatives and leaders. He argued that the separation of powers and the checks and balances established by the Constitution would promote the election of capable and knowledgeable individuals to govern.
c. Checks and balances: Madison heavily emphasized the importance of checks and balances in the Federalist Papers. He argued that the Constitution's system of checks and balances, which distributed powers among the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial), would prevent any one branch from becoming tyrannical and ensure the protection of individual liberties.
d. Limited government: Madison also supported the concept of limited government and discussed it in the Federalist Papers. He argued that the Constitution would establish a limited government, where power would be restricted to the specific responsibilities and authorities granted by the Constitution. This idea of limited government aimed to protect individual rights and prevent abuses of power.
e. Bill of Rights: This is not one of the reasons Madison highlighted in the Federalist Papers for supporting the Constitution. In fact, one of Madison's main arguments against including a specific Bill of Rights was that he believed the Constitution itself already contained sufficient safeguards for individual liberties.
Therefore, the correct answers are b. competent representation in government and d. limited government.