The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 57 summary

What happens

1. Madison argues that accusing elected representatives of inevitable betrayal challenges the basic principle of republican government.
2. He explains that federal voters match the electorate for corresponding state branches, while wealth, ancestry, religion, and occupation do not restrict eligibility.
3. He identifies merit, gratitude, ambition, frequent elections, and shared legal obligations as safeguards against representatives abandoning their constituents.
4. He argues that larger electorates offer more suitable candidates and greater resistance to bribery and intrigue.
5. He uses British qualifications and American state elections to challenge fears that large constituencies necessarily produce rule for the few.

In this paper

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