discussion post

Federalist 52-61: House of Representatives

Federalist 52:

I. Represents the People a. popular election b. qualifications i. 25 years of age ii. 7 years a citizen iii. inhabit the state in which you are running iv. open to merit

II. Biennial Elections a. House has immediate sympathy with the people b. Need for some continuity

Federalist 53: Biennial elections continued

Federalist 54: Slavery and Representation

I. Refuting the idea of slaves as property a. the distinction between law and nature

Federalist 55: Response to Criticisms

I. small number of representatives is unsafe II. knowledge of local circumstances will be impossible III. the representatives will be rich IV. increase in population makes the representatives proportionately smaller

Federalist 56: Response to II above

I. Representatives must have understanding of commerce, taxation, and military affairs.

Federalist 57: Response to III above

I. United States is not and will not be an oligarchy a. esteem and affection connect representative to the represented b. pride and vanity also have a hold on him c. laws passed will be applied to the representatives d. the vigilant and manly spirit of Americans will check abuse

Federalist 58: Response to III above

I. Representation and Progress of Population

a. every 10 years a census will be taken b. 1-30,000 limit

II. A Problem: Senate might block reapportionment a. large state senators will want reapportionment b. small state senators checked by the House’s power of the purse c. senate and executive are too weak to challenge House unless they are

constitutional and patriotic

III. House Representation is not for democracy but for a. safety b. local information c. general sympathy

Federalist 59: Defending Congress’ Ultimate Authority over elections a. states have primary authority but cannot have ultimate authority because

they could fail to elect national senators and house members

Federalist 60:

I. Addressing the Problem of putting the national government in charge of national elections a. states would rebel if there were abuses b. people would rebel if an election were fixed c. tyrants take through force; they do not need to fix elections

Federalist 61: Place of Election

I. Antifederalists contend that the election must take place in the county of the elector

II. Federalists respond that a man is no more likely to vote 20 miles from home than 200 miles.