discussion post

Federalist 47-51

Federalist 47-51: Separation of Powers

Federalist 47:

I. Montesquieu versus Homer II. Separation is not absolute but requires encroachment

Federalist 48:

I. Why the legislative branch is the most dangerous of the branches a. feels the passions and authority of the people but is limited in power b. other branches are dependent because of the legislative branch’s power of

the purse. i. cases of Virginia and Pennsylvania

Federalist 49:

I. The people and the constitution a. critique of Jefferson’s proposal to have occasional constitutional

conventions i. problem of veneration ii. unique circumstances surrounding current ratifications. iii. Legislative imbalance created b. the people’s passions should find no interest in the constitution especially

when parties and party interests emerge

Federalist 50:

I. The people and the constitution continued a. periodic appeals to the people to ratify or change the constitution as a

means to guarding against imbalance

Federalist 51:

I. The Principle of the Separation of Powers a. powers separated so that there is no constitutional appeal to the people b. each branch has its own will