Question

In Federalist Paper no. 51, Madison argues the Constitution would protect the rights of the minority, is he justified in believing that “a coalition of a majority of the whole society could seldom take place on any other principles than those of justice and the general good?”

Answer 1

Madison believed that the existence of various minority groups or political groups would ensure that the oppression of the minority opinion by the coalition of majority must not happen.

The oppressive attitude of the majority over the minor political factions can be restrained when there exists the ‘Community Will’. Prevailing of different small groups in the society would prevent the tyranny of any majority group. Coalition of majority can happen when there is a need of justice for the general good to prevail in the republic.

The power of people must be so strong that even if the people mingle with other small sections they must impede the interest of all other groups being enforced on them.