What does James Madison believe...?

Question

according to Federalist papers 47, 48, and 51, will happen if the concepts of preserving individual rights/liberty fail. And obviously they won't preserve individual rights/liberty, so please be more elaborate.

Answer 1

I haven't read the papers you listed, not for years, but know something about James Madison, since I'm also a "historian".

They had a much different idea about liberty than we do today.  Liberty was freedom "under control" of rules, even natural rules, those observed and learned by using reason.

The Founding Fathers actually feared the mob, they saw what happened in the French Revolution, and then there was Shay's Rebellion here in the USA.

Our Constitution actually created a stronger central government than what had existed under the Articles of Confederation.  Instead of a weak Federation, a much Stronger Executive was established, and a Congress that actually had delegated and reserved powers, including the power to tax.

The Fed. Papers were written to justify the stronger central government, it suggested more power to the central government, even if it meant less freedom for states and the people.

So, Jefferson, Washington, and Madison, actually believed that the new Constitution, with it's " separation of government powers" into Three Branches would "check" the powers that European absolute Monarchs often abused.

Jefferson and others campaigned for a Bill of Rights to list rights of citizens and states to keep the central government from abusing it's power.

They did not want the people to elect the chief executive (President),  so he believed in an Electoral College of responsible, educated citizens chosen by each state, to elect the President. (based on votes inside each state).

I think Madison would be appauled by the freedom of Americans today, including rights to former slaves and women.

He would have opposed Universal Suffrage.  He'd not like our "standing armies" and our envolment in "entangling" alliances with foreign powers.

What was good for one era, is not always good for another, or visa versa.

The Founding Fathers believed that if the Government abused their powers, then it was the people's right to revolt, and overturn that government -- remember, that's why they revolted against England.

But, by the time he became President, times had changed, he presided over a different era, including the War in Europe against Napoleon.  He almost caused a split in America (Hartford Convention) due to his embargo on trade with England.

When Madison was president the nation was divided over the War with Napoleon.  He placed embargos on both, later opening up trade with France, because England keptl impressing American sailors (kidnapping them off of USA vessels)..

I think overall, Madison was not worried about his government preserving individual rights, but more confused about trying to figure out what the American people actually wanted, and holding the lid down here at home.

There were too many pressure groups, even then, including those who wanted to exterminate the Native Americans, something he'd not support, but later presidents would.

So much for rights of Native Americans, slaves, women, land-less, poor, these people had none.

Answer 2

i knew a guy named james once. he was hawt! I knew a girl named madison once. she was really annoying. hope i helped!  : )