Federalist Papers James Madison : Congress
Federalist 53, 56, 57, 58: House of Representatives
Federalist 62, 63: Senate
Main Themes:
#53:
Anti-federalists had argued that one-year House terms would be more "democratic" or "representative."
* Madison argues that Representatives in the House will need some knowledge of national affairs (how
things work in the different states), as well as some minimal knowledge of foreign affairs. Because
experience in the House counts here, two-year terms are appropriate.
#56, 57, 58:
Critics had charged that the House would be too small to be truly representative, or to have "...due
knowledge of the interests of its constituents."
* Madison counters that the proposed size is appropriate because
(a) The objects of concern (areas of legislation) will be limited, not total (# 56).
(b) Above a certain size, demagoguery ("passion") will replace deliberation and choice ("reason") (# 58).
(c) Even at this distance, the House is still closest to the people. Two-year terms ensure the House's
"dependence" on the people (#57).
#62 and 63:
* Madison contrasts the Senate with the House in the course of discussing the Senate's intended role in the
system.
Important structural differences in the Senate include:
(1) The selection of Senators by the state legislatures--Senators are only indirectly accountable to the
people [the 17th Amendment (1913) provided for the direct election of Senators].
(2) Senators will serve for six-year terms.
(3) Equality of representation by states is one way that federalism (the recognition of the sovereignty and
importance of states as states) is embodied in the new national government.
These characteristics give the Senate different responsibilities:
(1) To act as a conservative brake on the House (to provide "stability"--a generally conservative or more
deliberate check on the more popularly-based House).
(2) Related to (1), the Senate will help protect the people from themselves.
(3) To pursue longer-term projects requiring a longer time frame.
(4) To provide greater knowledge and skills in crafting laws, individually and in relation to other laws.
(5) To provide a greater sense of "national character."
Sample Question
According to Madison, the Senate:
a) is closer to the people than the House.
b) has shorter electoral terms than the House.
c) will encourage deliberation and reason more so than the House.
d) should be similar to the House in most respects.