In Essay 14, James Madison formally replies to the argument that the proposed republic would be too large to be amalgamated under one singular constitution. Madison believes opponents are misunderstood between a republic (which in his view makes expansive territory governable) and a democracy (mandating smaller distances for travel), and he describes how the proposed federal republic is not much different in scope than select European nations. Madison further counters that with a tiered structure of government combined with ongoing infrastructural improvements would make the nation manageable over its large area.
Madison explains that the proposed American republic is quite different than a democracy where every citizen’s participation in common governing exercises is required, requiring shorter distances for travel. A republic; contrastingly, where the people are represented by chosen agents to represent them makes governing larger land areas possible. Madison further argues that the ancient republics are confused with what is proposed for America. In Madison’s view, these states were more democratic in nature than pure republics. Madison concludes with the notion that America has the ability to be the first true popular form of government, in contrast to Europe where such endeavors are yet to be realized.
Madison then shifts to the actual geography of the proposed nation. He argues that Germany and Poland are not much smaller than the proposed United States and their governing officials meet on a regular basis. The general government, Madison argues, would not be charged with administering all forms of lawmaking, only those prescribed within the federal constitution falling within its purview, with the remaining lawmaking tasks left up to the “supportive governments” (states). This would have the favorable result of requiring less travel by far-flung representatives than would be necessary in a non-republic form of government.
Looking at what we have become today, Madison would most likely believe that the American experience, with all 50 states, has become a success, more successful then he ever imagined. The technology we have today makes lawmaking far more possible in an enlarged Republic, with planes, cars, and even telecommuting. The patchwork of roads have become national highway, facilitating quicker travel.
ReplyDeleteThe two thing I find interesting is that the Republic was never meant to be a democracy. We have someone that would represent us in Washington, the far off city. How would that rep. be accountable to us, considering the distance between lets say California and D.C., or Alaska and D.C.? The second thing is Madison suggested that the national lawmakers would not make most laws. The State would be, therefore not requiring too much travel anyways. What would Madison say about the ever growing government and increased law making, especially during the 1930s and later?