Argument Analysis: 'The Federalist 41 And 45' By James Madison

Federalist 41 & 45
One of the most important concerns of the argument presented by James Madison in The Federalist No. 41 & 45 is the possible misappropriation of power that the government has over the country. Madison stresses the importance of maintaining civil liberties and preventing the government from having too much power. The new government will be granted great influence over many aspects of life for the American citizen so there must be a system of checks and balances. Federalist believed in distributing equal power between the three branches of the government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial), the national government and the states to ensure a firewall that prevented an overreach of power. Madison’s wish was to have a fair
and efficient government and he believed that the Constitution alone didn’t define all the necessary parameters. He stressed that a united government was stronger and more cohesive than smaller separate state governments and without a secure government the country was as at great risk of being overtaken by other hostile countries. So there is a fine balance between too much government and not enough. Madison says “in every political institution, a power to advance the public happiness, involves a discretion which may be misapplied and abused. That is, governments must be given power in order to govern. However, by giving governments power, the people run the risk of that power being abused by government.”
The 45th Essay expresses the need for the Federal government and how important it will be during times of crisis and war as well as helping maintain peace and preservation of peace.
And how the Federal government in the other more normal occasions the will help with the lives, liberties, and properties of the American people as well as the success of the states. Madison also asserts the need for taxation and that it will help supplement the security of the nation. Essay 45 continues the argument that taxes and how the naysayers misunderstand the importance of those funds for the welfare and security of the nation. The Federal government would also be responsible for war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce. Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress its powers to make laws and it also sets its limits. Madison tries to help relieve the worry that a strong authoritative government will not threaten the states and they will be allowed to keep some of their control. Section 8 of Article 1 gives the Enumerated Powers of Congress. The enumerated powers are a list of items that Confess is specifically allowed to do. This allows for the government to have the power to make money or setting up taxes.
In conclusion, The Federalist Essays are trying to highlight the importance of a strong fully funded government and that the only way to achieve the stability needed to create such a force is through taxation. Madison is very persuasive and direct getting right to the point.
He knows that it is risky giving so much power to the Federal government but he knows that overall it will benefit the people and without it, we will condemn ourselves.