Federalist No. 39, written by James Madison, explains why the Constitution creates a republican form of government and argues that the Constitution is both federal and national in its structure. Madison’s main goal is to show that the Constitution is consistent with a republican government and does not create a purely national government.
Federal vs. National Government
Madison distinguishes between two types of government:
Federal
- Power comes from the states.
- States retain important authority.
- Example: The Senate originally represented states equally.
National
- Power comes directly from the people.
- The national government acts on individuals rather than only through states.
- Example: The House of Representatives is based on population.
The Constitution combines both federal and national characteristics. The Federal characteristics are:
- The Senate gives equal representation to each state
- States retain powers of their own.
- Constitutional amendments require approval from the states.
National characteristics are:
- The House of represents people based on population
- The Federal Government can make laws that directly affect citizens
- The president is elected through a process involving people and states.
The main point is that the Constitution creates a mixed system with federal and national aspects to create a balanced republican government.