James Madison wrote in Federalist 51, "The power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments.Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people.The different governments will control each other, at the same time that each will be controlled by itself." Which constitutional principle is best reflected by this statement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement best reflects the principle of checks and balances, which is the distribution and balancing of powers among the three branches of government to ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful. Madison's statement highlights the idea that each branch of government is able to limit the power of the others, creating a system of checks and balances.

James Madison Wrote in Federalist 51, "The Power Surrendered by the People