If Men Were Angles? What does this mean to you?

Question

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary .

- James Madison in The Federalist, No.47

Answer 1

Hi Green Eyes,

First off, the quote you gave is from "Federalist 51."

To understand what Madison was saying you have to understand the philosophical context in which he spoke. At the time Madison wrote, people didn't believe that self-government was possible. The only way people could be controlled was through an iron rod on their backs. Why? Because people were essentially evil.

Madison believed that people could govern themselves. But he also knew they weren't perfect, or even perfectable. So what he's saying is -- if people were perfect (angels) they wouldn't need government. And if perfect people (angels) were always in charge of governments they would always do the right thing, and so there would be no need to limit the powers of the government.

But the reality is, according to Madison, that imperfect people will both govern and BE governed. So how do achieve self government??

You need to make sure that government is strong enough to exercise necessary controls over people's dangerous impulses, but limited so that it cannot tyrranize people. Then, you need to have a government that is broken up with several branches that can keep tabs on itself to prevent anyone in government getting too powerful.

That's what he means when he says that the first thing government must do is "Control the governed, and the next place obliged to control itself."

Okay? Cheers.

Answer 2

That will apply to Seraphim or Cherubs

As Seraphs - if men were they, no government would be necessary because they can't contain even each other's power. If they govern men, human race will be wiped out by they intense heat in 1 second. Therefore, they wouldn't have anything left to govern.

As Cherubs, we will be too wise to be controlled by the government. Hence, no government is really needed. If they govern human, then they rules will not be disobey because they wouldn't hesitate to lay the sword down on us.

Other angels could do something as well, but then I have to list another 8 species. I am too lazy to do so.

That was just based on the christian mythology that I knew.

On political stand point, if men were angels (beyond the mythology, angels were known to be clean, intelligent, and insightful above all creatures but god and his (her) son), we will show each other respect and love. There won't be any needs to apply rules in order to control people (or other angels). The world will be like the mythical heaven. However, JM forgot about one thing. In the assumed heaven, everything is controlled by god. His (her?) cherubs circle around him and praise his glories and holiness. So even the hypethetical heaven, full of angels and holy creatures, still need governing and a leader. Madison either didn't know the natures of angels and their world, or he was just making things up for his government.

Based on this analysis, I conclude JM's words were just another form of government's excuse to put more rule on human because we are not (and never will be) angels.

Answer 3

if men were angels then life would be too perfect and boreing

Answer 4

If men were angles, some would be sharp, others obtuse.

Answer 5

to mean it means we all would get along and agree with each other so there would be no wars

Answer 6

there will be no bad things happen in the world.

Answer 7

how about hells angels?