The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 58 summary

What happens

1. Madison argues that the temporary initial number of representatives and recurring census provide for representation to grow with population.
2. He cites state experience and argues that larger States have strong reasons to support expanding the House.
3. He explains how shifting Senate alliances and linking reapportionment to increases in Senate seats can overcome resistance.
4. He presents the House’s control over government funding as its strongest means of securing reasonable demands.
5. He warns that excessively large assemblies let skilled speakers and schemers dominate less capable members.
6. He rejects higher voting thresholds because they allow minorities to block public measures, demand concessions, and disrupt government.

In this paper

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