Tuesday, September 27, 2011 (9/27/2011) Started 7:01 p.m.
The 63rd Federalist Paper
In this document, most likely written by James Madison, the Senate is the topic of interest. Madison uses the great republics of the past (like Greece), as examples of how the government is to serve the people yet, maintain somewhat of a distance from public opinion and thought (although, he feels that they pale in comparison to America's setup). He also uses the constitution of Maryland as an experiment of how a senate should operate. I believe that the current electoral process of appointing senate members is based of the Maryland example and I feel that it's very well constructed. The Senate (as an add-on to the House of Representatives) is an institution that acts as a defensive mechanism against the delusions and self-interest of the public. It is difficult today for a bill to go through the House of Representatives, unaltered, and become law with Senate approval. The Senate ensures that the public will not make erroneous legislation that they will have to amend repeatedly or abolish altogether.
David,
ReplyDeleteGood job overall. You're absolutely right about Madison's idea about the function of the Senate. You needed to say something, though, about why he thought it would serve that function. (Indirectly appointed, longer term, etc)
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