Can someone help me with what exactly is meant by the quote in The Federalist Papers No. 51 by James Madison that says: "If men we angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." I'm studying it in school and I'm trying to get a better idea of what that means, mostly just the second sentence. Explanations? Thnx!
2006-09-18 05:01:37 · 2 answers · asked by NYC_grl_2004 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Government is only necessary to enforce rules when individuals do not choose to follow the rules voluntarily. The reference to angels was the presumption that angels would follow the laws voluntarily.
Similarly, if government always followed its own rules, and exercised reason and self-restraint in the enactment and enforcement of laws, then no checks or balances would be needed.
But since govt is composed of men, and men break the rules, there must be ways to restrict how much damage they can do.
The perfect example is the current executive actions in the US. Bush has declared that he can ignore any statutory requirements, laws or judicial rulings at will. There is nothing stopping him from breaking the laws, and nobody holding him accountable for breaking the laws, so be breaks them at will.
2006-09-18 05:45:09 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because human nature is dualistic, both exterior and interior controls are needed not only on the governed but—even more importantly—on those entrusted with the power to govern others. Angels - beings known for being fair and 'saintly' - would govern the just dualistic way that earthly beings, men, could not.
He's presenting a completely utopian scenario to highlight the severe contrast of the reality of the situation.
2006-09-18 12:09:30 · answer #2 · answered by Roccadoodle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋