JAMES MADISON’S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
IN
FEDERALIST PAPER NO. 10 AND ITS INFLUENCE BEHIND
THE MAKING OF US CONSTITUTION
THESIS
Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of Requirement for the Sarjana Sastra Degree at the English Department
Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts Sebelas Maret University
By:
PUSPA HANANDHITA C0305056
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LETTERS AND FINE ARTS
SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY
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PRONOUNCEMENT
Name : Puspa Hanandhita
NIM : C0305056
I hereby stated wholeheartedly that I write the thesis entitled “James Madison’s
Political Philosophy in Federalist Paper no. 10 and Its Influence behind the Making of US
Constitution.” It is not a plagiarism nor made by others. The things related to other people‟s
works are written in the quotations and included in bibliography.
If it is then proved that I cheat, I am ready to take the responsibilities, including the
withdrawal of my academic degree.
Surakarta, May 4th 2012
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MOTTO
“We can know only that we know nothing. And that is the highest
degree of
human wisdom.”
–
Leo Tolstoy
“I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I
want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the
skills I want. And why do I want? I want to live and feel all the
shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience
possible in life. And I am horribly limited.”
–
Sylvia Plath
“In the world we live in, what we
know
and what we
don't know
are
like Siamese twins, inseparable, existing in a state of confusion.”
–
Haruki Murakami
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DEDICATION
For Mama
and
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin..
I would like to thank mainly to Allah SWT, for all of His blessings and mercy. I would
also like to thank many people who had supported her in working on thesis. Those special people
are:
1. Drs. Riyadi Santosa, M.A as the Dean of Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts of Sebelas
Maret University for the approval of this thesis.
2. Drs.Agus Hari Wibowo, M.A., Ph.D. as the head of English Department, for giving the
chance and trust to conduct this thesis.
3. Taufik Al Makmun, S.S as academic supervisor, thank you for the assistance during my
period of study, as well as the opportunity for uniting me and my teammates as debaters.
4. Thesis supervisor, Dra. Susilorini, M.A, for trusting me, encouraging me, and for her
patience in helping me out with this thesis. Her objectivity, patience, and her hard work
in supervising my work are such an incredible inspiration. Without her supervision, my
thesis would be like RMS Titanic crashed into the iceberg.
5. All English Department lecturers as well as staffs that I cannot mention one by one here,
thank you. Thank you for all of your supports, inspirations, lessons, and everything you
have shared to me and friends. Those are valuable. Bu Fitria Akhmerti Primasita, I just
want you to know that I love and afraid of you, and you have inspired me so much to
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viii
6. James Madison. I feel like crying mentioning your name now. Why were you so smart?
Why didn‟t you share half of your intellectuality to modern Homo sapiens like me so I
could finish this thesis sooner and got a Nobel in return? Nevertheless, thank you for
existing, Sir. I hope I can capture your thoughts well here.
7. My dearest family. Papa, Mama, thank you for the patience, supports and shelter. I will
not be able to stand still in this world without your supports and guidance. I will make
you proud, I promise. My brothers Damas Adi Prasetyo and Danang Dewantoro, thank
you for somewhat keeping the smile in my face, being good brothers and teach me how
to be responsible. All of my cats, I seriously cannot forget them, as they become the only
living source of entertainment when I feel completely lonely. They make me smile.
8. Thank you Adnan Rifanadhi, for all life lessons you‟ve shared. I will be forever thankful.
I love you. Please keep my heart in a safe place.
9. Festiana Niyanti, you‟re like a personal shrink for me. Thank you for keeping me sane.
Thank you for being a thoughtful listener, for putting up with all the weirdness in me. I
love you. Agung Wicaksono, thank you for nursing me, for being a great conversation
partner, providing sources to learn politics 101. Nurul Istiningdyahadi Triadanti, Masyhur
Aziz Hilmy, Ishmah Zahratunnisa, thank you so much for being there, now and then.
Entertaining me, helping me to laugh whenever I get sad.
10.Rizky Adi Yanuasari, thank you for providing me insights and suggestions, encouraging
me to be better and for the inspirations. Dian Catur Prasetyaningtyas, thank you for being
a sweet, loving friend. I will forever admire your patience. Yogi Rohim Aryani, thank
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shown, amigo. All my friends from the very beginning. People whom I assume will never
leave me no matter how difficult the situation can be. I love you.
11.Friends of my batch, English Department 2005. Sonny, Arih, Hemy, Nunik, Mulyani,
everyone. I don‟t mean to leave any of you here, but what you know is, you are all
always in my heart. Thank you for the memory, for all togetherness we shared. Also,
many thanks to Rena „Herald‟ Aprilia, Ferrial Pondrafi, mas Itok, dek Vika, Diajeng
Triastari, Mbak Esti, Nurul Kh., Ardianus Ichsan, Reny Puspitasari, I‟m afraid the list
will be longer; so to sum up, thank you everyone for being there for me, teaching me
patience, persistence, and give me more courage to survive.
12.Tiemi Tamura, Emily Spencer, Stephanie Gerngross, Alice Katindig, Kaysee Dayvina
Leong, Sheena Chua. Thank you so much for being such great friends. We haven‟t met
yet, but one day we will! Thank you Kaysee for your book presents, Alice and Stephy,
thank you so much for the help with JSTOR journals you two are the best!
13.Thank you for my inspiration, Sylvia Plath and Haruki Murakami. You two color my
bland and empty soul.
I hope this thesis will be beneficial for other scholars who want to study more about
American Studies, especially in American Government and History. I welcome any form
of suggestions and criticisms related to this research, for the sake of improvement. Thank
you.
Surakarta, May 4th 2012
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xiii ABSTRACT
Puspa Hanandhita. C0305056. 2012. James Madison’s Political Philosophy in Federalist Paper
no. 10 and Its Influence behind the Making of US Constitution. Undergraduate thesis. Surakarta. English Department. Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts. Sebelas Maret University.
There were many founding fathers playing important role in shaping this Constitution, but Madison appeared to be one of the most influential figures. Pinned as the Father of Constitution, he wrote several scribbles to accompany him to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and suggested that the Articles of Confederation must be replaced with the whole new Constitution and better governmental system. What are James Madison‟s political philosophy revealed in Federalist Paper no. 10? How does United States Constitution realize
James Madison‟s political philosophy? There were only few studies about US Constitution and Madison‟s role in convincing US founding fathers to ratify the Constitution. How his ideas helped the US to have the new established government through the shaping of Constitution. This is what this research is conducted for.
This research is a descriptive qualitative research that uses historical records and facts happened around the Constitutional Convention, before and after. This research uses Federalist
Paper no. 10 as well as the Constitution of the United States as main data in observing Madison‟s
political philosophy. This research involves discovering the significance of James Madison‟s political philosophy behind the Constitution making. Several approaches have been used in this research. Those approaches are historical, biographical, political, and philosophical approaches.
Madison‟s political philosophy stated on Federalist Paper no. 10 brings further implications toward United States‟ political system. From the analysis, it can be concluded that Madison‟s political philosophies stated in Federalist Paper no. 10 are: the nature of faction (the
state of nature), people‟s different faculties, and extended republican government as the fittest form for United States. Some ideas of Madison‟s are being referred in the Constitution of U.S.,
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xiv ABSTRAK
Puspa Hanandhita. C0305056. 2012. Filosofi Politik James Madison dalam Federalist Paper no. 10 dan Pengaruhnya Di Balik Pembuatan Undang-Undang Amerika Serikat.Skripsi. Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra dan Seni Rupa, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta.
Banyak pendiri negara berperan penting dalam pembentukan Undang-Undang Amerika Serikat, tapi James Madison muncul sebagai figur yang penting. Diberi gelar sebagai Bapak Konstitusi Amerika, Madison menulis beberapa catatan yang menemani perjalanannya dalam Konvensi Undang-Undang di Philadelphia dan menyarankan agar Undang-Undang Konfederasi (Articles of Confederation) harus digantikan oleh Undang-Undang baru dengan sistem pemerintahan yang lebih baik. Apakah filosofi politik James Madison dalam Federalist Paper no. 10? Bagaimana Undang-Undang Amerika Serikat merealisasikan filosofi politik James Madison? Hanya terdapat beberapa studi mengenai Undang-Undang Amerika Serikat dan peran Madison dalam mempengaruhi para pendiri Amerika untuk meratifikasi Undang-Undang tersebut. Bagaimana ide-ide James Madison membantu Amerika Serikat agar mereka mempunyai pemerintahan yang kokoh melalui pembentukan Undang-Undang; dan dengan tujuan tersebutlah skripsi ini ditulis.
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1 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Research Background
What makes a nation great is its history. How countries survive through trials
and errors, and finally settle. So does United States. It has long remarkable history
until becomes the superpower, dominating country. The Constitution of United States
certainly becomes the fundamental asset in supporting this nation. Although facing
series of amendments, this constitution is still able to serve the need of the people,
and endure for two centuries since it was conceptualized by the framers. It has guided
the evolution of governmental institutions and has provided the basis for political
stability, individual freedom, economic growth, and social progress. The Constitution
of the United States is the supreme US law since it provides the framework for the
working of the US government. It has become the world‟s oldest written constitution
in force, the one that becomes the model for all constitutions around the world. It
consists of a preamble, seven articles, and twenty seven amendments. The
Constitution remains durable and endures for two centuries for its simplicity and
flexibility. It was designed in the late 18th century to provide framework in governing
4 million people in 13 different states.
The basic idea that became the foundation in shaping the constitution was the
expectation of US founding fathers to have effective national government as well as
which in the same time, not hampering people‟s liberty. Politically-aware people at
that time mostly came from upper-class society. US Constitution was drafted by US‟
elite groups, “The conduct of politics at both the state and national levels was largely
an elite affair with participation in public office dominated by a few people on
powerful families.” (Hrebenar et al., 1998). But here in the Preamble of the
Constitution, they wrote “We, the People of United States” indicating that they tried
to communicate to the US common men, as the people under the same nationality.
Without the approval of the people of the United States, this Constitution could not
be ratified, and revolution would become the result. Therefore the Framers use the
terminology “We are the people of United States” in order to create a sense that they
wrote this Constitution not as an elite group, but as the common men; in the name of
all common people.
After winning the war from Britain, the young nation decided to organize the
Continental Congress, which in 1776 appointed two committees—one to draft the
Declaration of Independence and the other to prepare a “form of confederation”
among the colonies. The states finally had the Articles of Confederation which served
only as the league of friendship of the states. It did not give any political binding
between the federal government to the states. Consequently, the states remained
having self-independent governments. This type of political arrangement caused a
chaotic condition when it came to national-level of economic problem. Congress had
no power in imposing taxes from the states. In 1780s, Congress could not deal with a
and $12 million in foreign debts incurred during the American Revolution
(1775-1783). States also incurred about $25 million in debt during the war. Small creditors
including soldiers who had lent their money during the Revolutionary War were
starving for cash since the states were too slow to repay. The Federal government
could not do anything dealing with this problem, because they had no political rights
in controlling other states. As a matter-of-fact, the unequal amount of Congressional
membership supported the nation‟s depression. It made each state had equal power,
and let them reject national policies which did not favor them.
Such political condition at that time initiated the framers to create the next
level of discussion, in order to find the most suitable system of governance. Each of
the States‟ representation decided to meet again in Annapolis, Maryland, in May
1786. They discussed about trading issues as well as other issues. Unfortunately, only
5 states sent their delegations. “One of the delegates, Alexander Hamilton convinced
his colleagues that commerce was too much bound up with other political and
economic questions, and that situation was too serious to be dealt with by so
unrepresentative a body.” (Cincotta, 1994, p. 87). Therefore, they decided to adjourn
their discussion and tried to arrange another meeting in Philadelphia. This final
meeting at Philadelphia would be the crux of the long debate of Constitution
ratification. Each state had their representatives on this meeting except Rhode Island.
From 74 delegates who had been appointed, 55 attended. Patrick Henry (later on
known as the leader of the Anti-Federalist group) refused to come since he feared that
delegations either could not attend the meeting or refused to attend.
The Constitutional Convention began on May 25, 1787, when a quorum of delegates
arrived at Philadelphia‟s Independence Hall, then known as the Pennsylvania State
House. The distinguished gathering brought together nearly all of the nation‟s most
prominent men, including George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton,
and the ailing Benjamin Franklin.
The creation of the Constitution entailed hours of debate and compromise, and even when it was completed, some delegates were unhappy with it. The task of fixing the ailing Confederate government was not complete yet; each state had to ratify, or approve, the Constitution. Basically, people divided into two groups, the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists (Chin & Stern, 1997, par.1).
The era of philosophical battle in United States then officially opened by the
existence of such differences in deciding constitutional platform: whether or not the
US Constitution should include the Bill of Rights. Each of the conflicting sides tried
to argue if inserting Bill of Rights to the Constitution was philosophically accepted,
to protect the rights of the people.
The Constitution had to be ratified by nine states in order to make it legally
effective. At that time, ratification of the Constitution was nearly failed. In addition to
the Anti-Federalist, many people began to doubt the Constitution since it did not
include the Bill of Rights which guarantees people‟s rights. Finally after series of
battles in state conventions, the Constitution was ratified by promising to amend it.
We cannot only analyze either what Constitution actually is, or how
Constitution was finally ratified at that time. We need to examine who were the
event, we need to understand more about how it was shaped by the philosophical
thinking of the people of the era. Studying historical document is not a mere study of
reading the document; it also understanding historical sequences, philosophical
background of the makers as well as the society at that time.
The main idea in creating this constitution was in order to create a strong
elected government, directly responsive to the will of the people.
The concept of self-government did not originate with the Americans, indeed, a measure of self-government existed in England at the time. But the degree to which Constitution committed the United States to rule by the people was unique, even revolutionary, in comparison with other governments around the world. (Targonski, 2000, p. 8)
Constitution of United States is more than just a symbol. It is supreme and
binding law that both grants and limits powers. In Federalist Paper no. 51, James
Madison as one of the US Constitution drafter mentioned that “the great difficulty
lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the
next place oblige it to control itself.” The Constitution enables the government to
control the governed as well as enables the ruled to check the rulers. James Madison
also noted in the same series of Paper, “If men were angels, no government would be
necessary.” This statement indicates that however, men need to be ruled in order to
guarantee that each people‟s need is not being hampered by one another. Therefore,
the existence of Constitution is used to be the guideline of American political system,
in what way this nation should be operated and how.
In this research, the researcher takes the significance of James Madison‟s
James Madison was one of America‟s founding fathers who worked for the
Constitution ratification, and was awarded as the father of Constitution as well
therefore James Madison‟s political philosophy is drawn in the Constitution itself.
Madison was one of the first delegates to arrive in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention, three weeks before the convention opened. He came equipped with two papers he had written earlier that spring, a Study of
Ancient and Modern Confederacies; and Vices of the Political System of the
United States, drawn from his comprehensive reading and his eleven years of
experience in government. When his fellow delegates from Virginia arrived, Madison was ready to outline for them his plan of government. (James Madison. (2008) In Microsoft® Encarta® 2009)
James Madison already made the conception of how should a good
government be on his two writings in an „Ancient and Modern Confederacies‟ and
„Vices of the Political System of the United States‟. Those two works are James
Madison‟s notes in analyzing the political situations of United States at that period. It
contains his political ideas and thoughts in shaping good governance which he
thought would be applicable in United States.
James Madison was awarded the title as „The Father of Constitution‟ for some
reasons. He fought for the Constitution ratification from drafting, until the time he
had to write series of Federalist Papers defending The Constitution from being
amended along with his partners, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay.
Understanding America means understanding what makes this nation able to
survive. Survive in serving the need of the people, running the government based on
fixed political agreement of the people once as written in the Constitution.
how this nation stands until now. James Madison was one of the Constitution drafter
who played important role in the making of the Constitution. He wrote his
philosophical thoughts in Federalist Paper no. 10, „Ancient and Modern
Confederacies‟ and „Vices of the Political System of the United States‟ which
contained his political ideas in analyzing the suitable form of government for United
States. In collaboration with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, James Madison wrote
Federalist papers. This set of essays is a classic of political theory and a thorough
exposition of the republican principles that dominated the framing of the
Constitution. From Federalist Paper no. 10 itself, James Madison gained popularity as
he wrote his thoughts why the nation needed to ratify Constitution.
Best known from its later appearance as The Federalist no. 10, Madison‟s
theory of extended republic is the argument from the Founding most often
anthologized, taught, studied, and remembered in this century. In Federalist Paper no.
10, James Madison did not merely talk about the basic foundation of factional life. He
also offered the nation, possible way in controlling the damage that might be caused
by faction, by having extended republican system. In the end, we should link back to
Federalist Paper no. 10‟s purpose which was defending the Constitution ratification,
and as a medium to explain and convince the people of United States to ratify the
Constitution. The purpose of this paper was reached by convincing the people of New
York that they need to gather as one and being ruled by solid government with clear
purpose and task division. Young United States of America needed strong
issues like factional life at that time. Thus, founders needed US people to work as
one, accepting and ratifying The Constitution of United States.
What we need to clarify first is that Federalist Paper no. 10 is not about
banning all sorts of factional life or discouraging faction itself, but on how to
synchronize faction which based on people‟s different interest, and national integrity.
Through this paper, James Madison successfully elaborated his ideas in promoting
republican government with extended republic system. Targonski (2000) stated
“Madison‟s 29 letters (along with no. 10) have proved to be the most memorable
combination of frankness, balance, and reasoning power.” Therefore in the end
Federalist Paper no. 10 supports the success of The Federalist Papers as a whole, and
this can be seen through New York people‟s supports in Constitution ratification.
This started the task of the Constitution of United States as supreme laws which
describe the task of the government in order to realize the government that safeguard
private rights yet still promotes public good.
B. Research Question
Research question is used to formulate the fundamental issue raised by the
topic in the research. The analysis of James Madison‟s political philosophy related to
the making of US Constitution is focused on answering two basic questions, as
1. What are James Madison‟s political philosophy revealed in Federalist Paper
no. 10?
2. How does United States Constitution reflect James Madison‟s political
philosophy?
C. Scope of Study
The scope of the study is related to the basic idea of how US political system
is shaped by the framers, taken from James Madison‟s intellectual musings in
Federalist Paper no. 10. This research analyzes James Madison‟s point of view since
he was one of the main contributors of the constitution. Some political philosophy
which spread at that time had influenced James Madison in conceptualizing the
perfect republic through his role in Constitution-making. The influences James
Madison got from his society helped him in arranging the Constitution, and as a
result, shaped American political system. The study focuses on how James Madison‟s
political philosophy through Federalist Paper no. 10 has contributed significant role
behind Constitution making.
D. Objective of Study
1. To find out James Madison‟s political philosophy in Federalist Paper no.
10.
2. To find out how United States Constitution reflects James Madison‟s
political philosophy.
E. Research Significance
This research studies the importance of James Madison‟s political philosophy
that has contributed to the making of the Constitution, which eventually defines
American political system. Hence, there are some significances of the research to the
study of American identity as follows:
1. to give the knowledge of what United States Constitution actually is,
2. to understand historical context behind the making of Constitution,
3. to understand James Madison‟s major contribution behind the making
of the Constitution through his role.
F. Research Methodology
1. Type of Research
The research uses descriptive qualitative research in the study which is done
through library research. Through this method, the data which are used will be
descriptive report which based on factual data (Moleong, 2000, p.7). Through this type of
research, the data of this analysis will be collected from words, pictures, bibliographical
study instead of numerical data.
2. Data
The sources of data in the research are taken from Federalist paper No. 10,
and the Constitution itself.
This research examines James Madison‟s political philosophy in advocating
Constitution ratification through Federalist Paper no. 10.
a. Main Data
The main data of this analysis will be taken from Federalist Paper no. 10 by
Madison and the Constitution of United States. These data contain Madison‟s
political philosophy related to the construction of US political system. These data
also portray historical background connected to James Madison‟s political philosophy
when he tried to conceptualize US political system along with other framers. James
Madison was one of the contributors of The Federalist Papers, which aimed to
support the Constitution ratification. He wrote the Federalist along with Alexander
Hamilton and John Jay. Among series of Federalist Papers, no. 10 is the most cited
paper, since it mentioned about the creation of good republic without neglecting the
interest of the people through faction. It discusses about the role of faction, liberty,
and how a well established government should control the excesses of factions
http://www.southsearepublic.org/article/17/read/short_essay_on_federalist_paper_no
10 on May 17, 2009 10:08 PM). James Madison, known as the Father of Constitution,
was the primary author of Constitution, influenced by the work of Thomas Jefferson,
Thomas Paine, and John Adams.
b. Supporting Data
The supporting data of this analysis will be James Madison‟s biography,
historical documentation of figures that inspired Madison in conceptualizing the idea
of perfect republic, articles, books related to the topic of research, and historical
records of that time from American history books and encyclopedia, as well as
excerpts from a journal titled “Madison‟s Audience”, Harvard Law Review, vol.112.
no 611, and thoughts which shaped James Madison‟s idea in conceptualizing
American‟s political system.
3. Techniques of Analyzing Data
This research applies descriptive analysis, where data are collected and
classified first, before being taken to the next step. Understanding James Madison‟s
political philosophy means understanding what brought him into such comprehensive
idea of the better government. Situational background at that time which needs
historical point of view and political analysis will be used in understanding
Madison‟s conception of US political system. Therefore after gathering the data,
be applied in understanding Madison‟s political philosophy in Federalist Paper no. 10
and the Constitution. This point will eventually lead to what became Madison‟s idea
of perfect government, and how his political philosophy influenced the making of US
political system.
G. Theoretical Approach
This research is conducted within American Studies, which means that
interdisciplinary studies will be needed in order to have a comprehensive result.
Smith (1957) has strengthened this statement by mentioning American Studies‟
characteristics not depended on the importance of certain subject matter‟s issues but
more on how to analyze the issues from various different approaches or angles. This
research takes Federalist Paper no. 10 as subject matter. Federalist Paper no. 10 has
been written during US Constitutional era, and it becomes part of the Federalist series
which explains and supports Constitution ratification. This paper questions the
problem of faction and how a stronger government with extended republican system
under Constitution can give a better cure of its mischief.
Based on this contextual background, Federalist Paper no. 10 can be
considered as American literature text in American Studies perspective. As American
literature text, this paper provides the explanation of US Constitution as well as
persuasion to the American people to ratify the proposed Constitution (Federalist
series of the Federalist exists as the result of what have happened in America at that
time. In this case, we are looking at what has happened in the past. Smith (1957) has
defined American Studies as the study of American culture, past and present as a
whole. From this research, we have Federalist Paper no. 10 as the work of American
literature, American society as the audience, and the relationship of the two. As Smith
has described, “One of distinctive fields of American Studies is this ambiguous
relation between works of art and the culture in which they occur.” (Smith, 1957,
p.199). In this situation, works of art and culture are closely related. Thus, to
understand Madison's political philosophy in the Federalist Paper no. 10, we need to
find out what has happened to Madison himself as the writer of the paper as well as
the social change (the American society at that time under Articles of Confederation).
For many years, scholars have faced great difficulty in defining what
American literature is; what differentiates them from other types, or origins of
literature, and so on. This happens as the result of American history itself, „the history
that the British think of as a dark chapter in the story of British Empire‟ (Spiller,
1981, p.220). Such historical context has endorsed American Studies scholars to find
out what American culture is, how it has come into being, how it functions, and how
it should be studied, researched, and taught. (Spiller, 1981, p.219).
Spiller (1981) has encouraged American Studies scholars to see subject matter
from different perspectives, it also means by applying interdisciplinary studies,
combining some studies to conduct the research. He has also mentioned some ways in
deciding the approaches that can be used in certain types of research. In relation to
The development of a philosophy and practice of literary history and historical criticism, particularly American, which starts with the aesthetic examination of the highest form of an individual work of art and attempts to relate it, causally and circumstantially, first to its creator by thorough biographical and psychological study and then to the basic culture and history of the people who produced it in a given time and place. Thus literary study becomes holistic when it is involved in the history of thought and manners, as well as in psychology, sociology, philosophy and the interrelationship of the arts. (Spiller, 1981, p.225-226)
This analysis uses Federalist Paper no. 10 and the Constitution as its main
data and both are literary texts. This research takes Madison‟s political philosophy as
its main focus. First step which needs to be taken in understanding Madison‟s mind is
to take his individual work, in this case Federalist Paper no. 10, then to analyze the
origin of its existence. Afterwards, in order to get the result of the research
biographical and psychological study of Madison as the writer and composer of both
literary texts are needed. To apply Spiller‟s theory in analyzing from past time
(historical) framework, there are four approaches that will be used in this analysis:
historical approach, biographical approach, political approach, and philosophical
approach.
Historical approach is applied in this thesis, since we need to trace back the
political history of United States. Without having historical approach, it is impossible
to analyze James Madison‟s philosophy especially related to the US political system.
The study of US historical documents automatically requires the study of historical
sequences, thus we can draw a causal-and-effect line from one event to another.
Biographical approach of James Madison is needed to understand who really
he was. What was his role in shaping American political system, and who are the
wrote several series of Federalist Papers which supported the Constitution ratification
and became the primary author of US Constitution. By knowing his background,
especially on how he could get the influence of his philosophy, we will be able to
understand how he influences the making of US political system through his ideas.
Political approach is used to analyze the governmental system of United
States. At the same time, historical approach can be used to analyze the nature of
governmental system of United States. This feature will be completed by having
political approach, in which we can understand more about the result of this study.
This approach featured analysis of governmental system through the study of
Madison‟s musings esp. in Federalist Paper no. 10.
Philosophical approach is needed to highlight Madison‟s philosophical
thoughts especially stated in the Federalist Paper no. 10.
G. Thesis Organization
This research will be divided into four chapters and will be divided again into
few sub chapters.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
The first chapter is introduction, which includes research background,
research question, scope of the study, objective of the study, research significances,
CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW
The second chapter is the literature review. This chapter will be the basis of
the next chapter, which is the analysis. This chapter encompasses three subchapters,
they are: path to Constitution ratification, James Madison‟s political biography,
general spreading of US political philosophy during Federalist period and brief
explanation of what political philosophy is.
This chapter will be started by elaborating the struggle between the Federalist
versus Anti Federalist until the process of Constitution ratification. The need of
strong central government from Federalist‟s side against the fear of dictator
government from Anti-Federalist‟s side. The battle between these two major political
poles in Constitutional Convention eventually reached a consensus and ended by
Constitution ratification.
The next discussion afterwards will be about James Madison‟s
biography, about his early career and his contributions to national politics.
General spreading of US political philosophy that colored the national politics
at that time is essential to discuss in literary review. This part will be the background
in explaining Madison‟s political philosophy, and what inspired him in outlining his
CHAPTER III ANALYSIS
The third chapter will be the analysis. This chapter will focus on three points:
James Madison‟s political philosophy behind the making of US Constitution, James
Madison‟s political philosophy reflected in the Constitution, and US Constitution and
the implementation of extended republicanism.
First part of the analysis will be about James Madison‟s political philosophy
contained in Federalist Paper no. 10. Three main ideas which become Madison‟s
political philosophy and peaked on Madison proposed extended republican system
under the US Constitution. This part will point out his political philosophy stated in
Federalist Paper no. 10 as well as the explanation of each and influences he got from
several historical figures.
Next sub chapter will point out the philosophy of Madison‟s basic ideas from
Federalist Paper no. 10 and connecting the most similar ideas to Constitution‟s
content. The significance of Madison‟s political philosophy in defending US
Constitution until its ratification, how his ideas are justifiable and suitable with US
political condition at that time will also be observed through this chapter. This part
will highlight Madison‟s ideas from Federalist Paper no. 10 that significantly
emphasize James Madison‟s contribution to US political system through the
Last sub chapter of the analysis will explain about the Constitution itself while
highlighting the influence of Madison‟s political philosophy stated in previous sub
chapters. This includes the basic information about Constitution‟s content as well as
the operation of government under checks and balances system.
CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The last chapter will sum up the answers from research questions as the result
commit to user
20 CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Path to Constitution Ratification
If we wish to talk about government, there are certain fundamental things we
must ask. How the government is supported to run their legislation and authorities in
governing the people. There should be once, a contract of the founders of nation
concerning how to rule the nation. The contract of the people includes how the nation
is governed as well as the authority-division of the government. In this case, United
States has the Constitution, a supreme and binding law that both grants and limits
powers. The ratification of the Constitution itself was not done overnight. It faced
series of debates and argumentations which eventually lead to a compromise of its
ratification.
The task of creating new government was not easily achieved. Disputes
among delegates made the newborn Constitution draft nearly failed to be ratified. In
chapter One, there was a short history of the Constitution ratification. Of how it was
arranged and planned, as a matter of Article of Confederation‘s failure. How the
dispute between the Federalist vs. the Anti Federalist ‗colored‘ the path of
Constitution ratification. The dispute between the two conflicting groups of Federalist
v. Anti Federalist was started from Constitutional Convention. It was about the fear
of the Anti Federalist about the lack guarantee of people‘s rights. They started the
Of these complaints, the lack of a bill of rights was the most effective. The American people had just fought a war to defend their rights, and they did not want an intimidating national government taking those rights away again. The lack of a bill of rights was the focus of the Anti-Federalist campaign against ratification. (Chin & Stern, 1997, par.3).
The Constitution defines distinct powers for the Congress of the United
States, the president, and the federal courts. This system is also known as the Checks
and Balances system, which assures that none of each branch will be able to
dominate one another. The United States Constitution establishes and limits the
power of central government over states, which the Anti-Federalist feared that will
create too strong central government. James Madison tried to convince all members
of Constitutional Convention that people however need laws to govern them.
The conflict between the Federalist v. Anti Federalist became the beginning of
‗battle of political philosophy‘ in United States. Each side of the conflicting group
tried to convince US people that their ideas of perfect government was the best
compared to their opponent‘s side. The Federalist tried to publish series of papers
promoting Constitution named The Federalist Papers, and the Anti-Federalist did the
same thing, by criticizing the lack of people‘s rights guarantee in the Constitution.
The Anti-Federalist feared the violation of people‘s rights if it was not
included in the Constitution, through the Bill of Rights. Patrick Henry, the leader of
the Anti-Federalist, objected the Constitution ratification for it did not encompass the
Bill of Rights which grants citizen‘s rights. He showed his objection firstly by not
attending the Constitutional Convention.
The Anti-Federalist, led by Patrick Henry, objected to the constitution. They objected to it for a few basic reasons. Mostly the Anti-Federalists thought that the Constitution created too strong a central government. They felt that the Constitution did not create a Federal government, but a single national government. They were afraid that the power of the states would be lost and that the people would lose their individual rights because a few individuals would take over. They proposed a ―Bill of Rights‖, to make sure the citizens were protected by the law. They believed that no Bill of Rights would be equal to no check on our government for the people (―Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists‖ retrieved from http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=65596 on May 14, 2009 01:49 AM).
The Federalist tried to defend Constitution ratification by stating that the
ratification was needed in order to ensure national stability. United States needs a
governmental instrument that will help them in facing chaotic conditions at that time.
A governmental instrument that is able to bind all states and establish stronger nation.
The Federalist, led by James Madison, was in favor of the newly formed Constitution. One of the main objects of the federal constitution is to secure the union and in addition include any other states that would arise as a part of the union. The federal constitution would also set its aim on improving the infrastructure of the union (―Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists‖ http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=65596 Accessed May 14, 2009 01:49 AM).
The Federalist here tried to prove that the fear of Anti-Federalist was not
valid. Federalist answered the fear of Anti-Federalist of a dictator central government
(executive, legislative, judiciary branch), which will check and balance each other.
Each of these branches has equal power which makes them unable to control one
another. ―The separation of powers into three independent branches protected the
rights of the people. Each branch represents a different aspect of the people, and
because all three branches are equal, no one group can assume control over another‖
(Chin & Stern, 1997, par. 4). The three branches of the government will go hand in
hand in securing the rights of the people, and none of them can claim as the strongest
since they always evaluate the work of each branch, to avoid domination of power by
certain people.
The Federalist also answered the main issue raised by Anti-Federalist upon
the existence of Bill of Rights in the Constitution. ―A listing of rights can be a
dangerous thing. If the national government were to protect specific listed rights,
what would stop it from violating rights other than the listed ones? Since we can't list
all the rights, the Federalists argued that it's better to list none at all‖ (Chin & Stern,
1997, par. 4). They Federalist here trying to emphasize that listing people‘s rights can
be a dangerous. If the national government were to protect specific listed rights, what
would stop it from violating rights other than the listed ones? It is impossible to list
all complete rights. The Federalists argued that it will be better to list none at all.
Also, James Madison tried to convince all members of Constitutional Convention that
people however need laws to govern them. James Madison stated that, ―If men were
angels, no government would be necessary.‖ (Madison in Federalist Papers no. 51).
basic constitution to govern them. Hence it will create a strong nation which operates
on the right path.
The first nine states to ratify the Constitution were Delaware (on December 7,
1787), followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts,
Maryland, and South Carolina. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on
June 21, 1788. Therefore it made the Constitution legally effective. But without the
ratification from New York and Virginia, it was questionable for the Constitution to
succeed. Virginia ratified four days later and finally New York in July 26, 1788.
North Carolina ratified in 1789 and Rhode Island in 1790.
Federalist Papers became the device of overviewing the Constitution and to
convince American people (especially the people of New York) to ratify the
Constitution. ―Formally The Federalist series of 85 essays on the proposed new
Constitution of the United States and on the nature of republican government,
published between 1787 and 1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John
Jay in an effort to persuade New York state voters to support ratification‖ ("Federalist
papers.". (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved June 12, 2009 10: 09 PM
GMT+7). From eighty-five series of Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton was the
dominant contributor by writing fifty-seven, James Madison contributed twenty one,
and John Jay wrote five of them. Additionally three were written by the collaboration
The Federalist Papers serve as a primary source for interpretation of the
Constitution, as they underline the philosophy and motivation of the proposed system
of government. The authors of the Federalist Papers wanted both to influence the vote
in favor of ratification and to shape future interpretations of the Constitution.
According to historian Richard B. Morris, they are an ‗incomparable exposition of the
Constitution, a classic in political science unsurpassed in both breadth and depth by
the product of any later American writer‘ (Morris, 1987, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalist_Papers). Seventy-seven of the essays first
appeared serially in New York newspapers, were reprinted in most other states. Those
were published in book form as The Federalist on May 28, 1788; the remaining eight
papers appeared in New York newspapers between June 14 and August 16.
Virginia ratified the Constitution on June 25, 1788, and New York did so on
July 26. Early in January 1789, all the ratifying states except New York, which failed
to appoint electors by the deadline, selected presidential electors in their legislatures
or by a direct vote of the people. On February 4, the electors named George
Washington as the first President of the United States. The first Congress under the
Constitution met in New York City on March 4. Washington was inaugurated on
April 30. But North Carolina and Rhode Island refused to approve the Constitution
and take part in the new government until Congress agreed to add the Bill of Rights.
The Federalist might not succeed the Constitution ratification if they had not
B. James Madison’s Biography
The biography of James Madison here includes several important events of
his life. This part encompasses brief explanation of his early life and his career in
politics as the member of Continental Congress, State Assemblyman, and US
Congressman who also fought for Constitution ratification. This limitation is needed
in order not to make the discussion out of topic.
James Madison was born in March 16th, 1751 at Port Conway, King George
County, Virginia. His mother brought him to Montpelier estate in Orange County
which became the place he spent his entire life. Just like other plantation children,
James Madison accepted his early schooling at home, from his own grandmother,
Mrs. Frances Taylor Madison. When he was about 12, he was enrolled in the school
of Donald Robertson in King and Queen County. After three or four years with
Robertson, he studied for ―a year or two‖ under the Reverend Thomas Martin and in
1769 enrolled in the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). James
Madison was interested in the study of history, government, and public law, and
finally graduated at 1771.
In June 1762, he left his home in Montpelier to attend the boarding school of
Ronald Robertson, a Scot who had been educated at the University of Edinburgh, a
man who Madison subsequently would remember as ‗a man of great learning and
eminent teacher‘. Over five year period, Madison then learned Latin, Greek, French,
himself in the histories of Greece and Rome. Robertson‘s small collection of great
books provided Madison with an early advantage over many of his Virginia
contemporaries whose pre-college education was limited by ‗ignorant, indifferent
tutors or rectors who owned only a few Latin grammars and some volumes of
divinity‘ (Ketcham 1994, 20).
In 1767, Madison left Robertson school for two years of advanced tutoring at
home under the Reverend Thomas Martin, who had graduated in 1762 from the
College of New Jersey at Princeton. In the summer of 1769, Madison departed from
Montpelier to follow his tutor Thomas Martin at The College of New Jersey at
Princeton. The College of New Jersey served James Madison very well, offering
remarkably liberal education for a late eighteenth century colonial college.
The key intellectual guiding the course of Madison‘s thought during his
college days was John Witherspoon, American clergyman, educator, and statesman,
born near Edinburgh, and educated at the University of Edinburgh. Witherspoon was
the President of the College of New Jersey. Former member of Continental Congress,
Witherspoon signed the declaration of Independence. He was also a delegate to the
New Jersey convention of 1787 that ratified the U.S. Constitution.
Madison learned much more from Witherspoon than just to value liberty and
to endorse revolution. Under Witherspoon supervision, he read a range of literature
that deeply influenced his post-revolutionary thinking.
Through Witherspoon supervisor, Madison was getting to know to some
influential philosopher like John Locke. Witherspoon drove Madison‘s attention that
the role of government was to encourage and to nourish, not life alone, but the good
life, the life of virtue.
As Madison later came to accept John Locke‘s concepts of representation and government by consent, he added these concepts to his earlier education in the politics of virtue. For Madison, virtue was always the foundation of government, endowed with a higher sanction than the mere will of majority. (Owens, 1999, par.11).
Madison believed that in government lays noble tasks, which would be safeguard
private rights and still promote public good; besides being the ruler, government
should be holding up people‘s safety demand and liberty. To sum up, being a strong
central government without neglecting the interests of the people. This is proven
when Madison elaborated his idea of the fittest government through extended
republican government stated in Federalist Paper no. 10. He urged the existence of
more well-established nation through extended republic, which upholds people‘s
interests at its best as well as to control the system of government. By the time
Madison finished his study, he had become a devoted student of the scholarship of
John Locke. ―John Locke‘s thought influenced Madison profoundly and was always
par.12). Madison‘s political philosophy was colored by Locke‘s thoughts through
Witherspoon.
From 1772 to 1775, Madison remained in his father‘s home at Montpelier in
poor health, convinced that he would not have a long life. It has been suggested that
he suffered from hypochondria, a condition in which he experienced the symptoms of
a disease but none was diagnosed. Uncertain about a career, he devoted his time to
extensive reading in literature, theology, and law. Before long a growing interest in
political and religious freedom led him into a serious study of public law and of the
forms and principles of government.
Back at Montpelier, still undecided on a profession, Madison soon embraced
the patriot cause, and state and local politics absorbed much of his time. In 1775 he
served on the Orange County committee of safety; the next year at the Virginia
convention, which, besides advocating various Revolutionary steps, framed the
Virginia constitution; in 1776-77 in the House of Delegates; and in 1778-80 in the
Council of State. His ill health precluded any military service (―America's Founding
Fathers, Delegates To the Constitutional Convention: James Madison, Virginia‖. The
U.S.National Archives and Records Administration). James Madison was elected to
the Continental Congress in December 1779. He took his seat with the Virginia
delegation in March 1780, four days after his 29th birthday. He was not only the
youngest man in Congress but at the beginning probably the least imposing. He was
prevent him in making a speedy and accurate assessment of the condition of the
country, and after the first few months he assumed a leading role in Congress.
The independence of United States was assured when major hostilities with
Britain came to an end in 1781. Nonetheless, there were still some things that yet to
be assured by the new nation. There was still much to be decided regarding the new
nation‘s form of government and its relations with its neighbors. James Madison
favored strong central government by giving it power in controlling financial
activities of the states and to levy import duties.
Madison was clearly the preeminent figure at the convention. Some of the delegates favored an authoritarian central government; others, retention of state sovereignty; and most occupied positions in the middle of the two extremes. Madison, who was rarely absent and whose Virginia Plan was in large part the basis of the Constitution, tirelessly advocated a strong government, though many of his proposals were rejected. Despite his poor speaking capabilities, he took the floor more than 150 times, third only after Gouverneur Morris and James Wilson. Madison was also a member of numerous committees, the most important of which were those on postponed matters and style. His journal of the convention is the best single record of the event. He also played a key part in guiding the Constitution through the Continental Congress (―America's Founding Fathers, Delegates To the Constitutional Convention: James Madison, Virginia‖. The U.S.National Archives and Records Administration)
James Madison ran again for election to the Virginia assembly
in the spring of 1784, and won. He served nearly three years there, pursuing the same
objectives he had fought for in Congress. He advocated strengthening the federal
government, which was not popular in Virginia, as it was in most of the states. He
consistently supported measures, at both state and national levels, that would best
Madison was also greatly concerned about the problem of regulating
commerce between the states. He was largely responsible for calling a conference
between Maryland and Virginia to discuss navigation rules for the Potomac River, the
border between the two states. The discussions failed because other states on the river
were not represented. Madison and his supporters then proposed a resolution in the
rules among the states must be established in order to regulate trade and commercial
relations. And in order to activate this function, United States must have a strong
federal government. Madison strongly believed that the Articles of Confederation
should be amended in order to extend the power of Congress. But he himself was
pessimistic to about winning support from the people in Annapolis Convention.
Madison attended the Annapolis Convention as a delegate from Virginia. Only four other states sent representatives. It was agreed to call another convention of all the states, this time to draw up a national constitution. The Virginia assembly unanimously approved the new convention, which was scheduled to be held in Philadelphia in May 1787, and Madison was named one of the delegates. (―James Madison‖ (2008). Microsoft® Encarta® 2009 Redmond, WA.)
Annapolis Convention which was hosted by Virginia was the beginning of
James Madison‘s struggle as the Father of Constitution. This meeting was only
Convention decided to adjourn the meeting to discuss trading issues as well as other
issues. From his idea of amending the Articles of Confederation James Madison
along with other founding fathers began working for the creation of the strong
government through the birth of United States Constitution.
The next meeting that was planned in Annapolis Convention was
Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia. James Madison arrived three weeks
before the meeting started. He equipped himself with his two papers he had written
earlier that spring, a Study of Ancient and Modern Confederacies; and Vices of the
Political System of the United States drawn from his experience in government and
comprehensive reading.
Madison retired to his study in his beloved home Montpelier armed with a number of books he had collected (many sent from Paris by his friend Tom Jefferson) dealing with governments of the past. From these books on ancient republics Madison hoped to learn what made governments work, or prevented them working. The result was a document titled "Notes on Ancient and Modern Confederacies." (Kauffman, Bruce J. James Madison "Godfather of
the Constitution” sec.2, par.2)
In Study of Ancient and Modern Confederacies, James Madison made lists of
all the features of those governments, good and bad, but in particular the bad, such as
"disparity of size in Cantons," "intolerance of religion" and "weakness of the Union,"
to name a few. James Madison was convinced that in a large republic one faction
would not stay in place long enough, or grow large enough, to pose a threat; other
factions would be created and they would all "check each other." And in his later
collection of notes, titled Vices of the Political System of the United States, James
From his musings, Madison eventually came to a conclusion of how to create
successful republic. The key for Madison, is that the different interests and factions
should not were not to be ignored, but to be taken for granted—and finally turned to
the support of liberty and of republican government.
Madison proposed a government with strong central powers, including
national judiciary and elected national executive, and with authority to veto
legislation of individual states. Primarily, James Madison sought to provide the
central government with ‗positive and complete authority in all cases which require
uniformity‘ and to prevent abuse of this authority by making the government
responsible to the people. James Madison also favored a two-chamber legislature and
a system of representation that would give the larger states an influence in proportion
to their size.
Madison‘s ideas were presented to the convention by Virginia‘s Governor Edmund Randolph, in the so-called Virginia Plan or Large-State Plan. The Small-State Plan, urging equal representation in Congress for all states regardless of population, was proposed by New Jersey. Madison became the leading spokesman for the Virginia Plan and, despite strong opposition, for the Virginia delegation also. ("James Madison". (2008). Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. Redmond, WA.)
Through this equal representation of legislators in Congress, small states will
not hamper the rights of other larger states. Therefore there will be no tyranny from
the minority and the rights of all members can be fulfilled.
The Convention compromised between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans:
the states would be represented according to size the lower chamber, the House of
Senate. Madison feared of the government by minority and foresaw that small states
would be able to wield disproportionate power.
James Madison kept a detailed journal of the Convention‘s process. He
constantly attended the meeting and his Journal of Federal Convention which
published in 1840 is the most complete record of the historic meeting. ―It happened,‖
he remarked, ―that I was not absent a single day, nor more than a fraction of an hour
in any day, so that I could not have lost a single speech unless a very short one.‖ His
purpose of making this journal was to preserve the ―history of the Constitution which
would be staked the happiness of a people great even in its infancy, and possibly the
cause of liberty throughout the world.‖ (―James Madison: 1751 – 1836‖ from
http://www.knowsouthernhistory.net/Biographies/James_Madison/). In the following
year as the follow up of Constitutional Convention, Madison worked to get the new
Constitution ratified. In Congress, his effort helped defeat attempts to amend the
Constitution and speeded its referral to the States‘ ratification. While in New York for
the Congress, he worked along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in publishing
series of papers, explaining and defending the Constitution. These were published in
newspapers in order to counteract attack that was aimed to halt the Constitution
ratification.
These series of papers that James Madison wrote in collaboration with
Alexander Hamilton and John Jay were later named as The Federalist, published in
appeared in New York under the name ‗Publius‘ or ‗A Citizen of New York‘. James
Madison is credited with the authorship of 26 of them.
Among 85 series of Federalist Papers, the 10th paper of the series is the best
known of those written by James Madison.
Best known from its later appearance as The Federalist Paper no. 10, Madison's theory of the extended republic is, as one commentator notes, the argument from the Founding "most often anthologized, taught, studied, and remembered in this century. It appears in introductory textbooks of history, rhetoric, American literature, and political science." (Kramer, 1999, p.612)
It explains about the proper relationship between government and the varied,
conflicting interests that characterizes democratic society. He also analyzed the origin
of the differing interests of the society. James Madison believed that political
differences grew primarily out of varying economic interests and that the basic cause
of the disagreement among the American states was not the differences in size but the
conflicts between slave and free states, between plantation and merchant states,
between debtor and creditor states. He believed that strong national government with
strong Constitution would help to reduce such conflicts and prevent chaotic condition
in national economic.
