Federalist 39

Read Federalist 39 (https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed39.asp)
Please summarize the main points (you should expect to spend 1 page summarizing) and explain who you think was Madison’s specific audience given the discussion in lecture? (I have attached a video of the lecture to reference)

ANSWER

Federalist 39

One of the ideas brought forth by Madison is the introduction of a republican form of government. It urges citizens living in New York to accept and accommodate this system. The proposal behind this perspective is meant to achieve self-government based on the power of the people. Through elections, individuals can participate in political processes and outcomes that shape their present and future lives. All the leaders elected at the Senate, House of Representatives, and other levels should be directly elected by the voters. This approach is also accommodated in the Constitution, which aims at ensuring that leaders are elected by the great body of the people (Yale Law School, 2008). This correlation gives the electorates the power and freedom to elect leaders of their choices. The government is expected to be founded in line with flexibility perspectives if future changes are needed. This means that the Constitution must allow for emerging changes to be introduced when necessary. Another message communicated by the text is ensuring that the Constitution is a Federal Act rather than a national one. This offers each State population authority that positions them in a better place to make elective decisions. Overall, Madison calls for a republican form of government where populations have the freedom to elect leaders of choice. Notably, he proposes developing the Constitution according to the Federal Act for better representation.

Madison’s key target is the overall US population and not just the residents of New York State. He ensures that they understand the rationale behind having the freedom to participate in elective decisions. Through the republican form of government, voters have a better chance of making quality decisions. They can select leaders who they feel will improve their overall well-being. The text also urges government bodies like the Senate and House of Representatives to ensure that they live to the expectations associated with their respective offices. For instance, if electorates vote a member of the House of Representatives, one must provide massive benefits to the people.

Reference

Yale Law School (2008). The Avalon Project: Federalist No 39. Avalon.law.yale.edu. Retrieved 17 January 2022, from https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed39.asp.