Question

It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices [checks and balances] should be necessary to control the abuses of government… If men were angels, no government would be necessary. —Publius Which statement summarizes the publication’s view of government? We need government so we have a means to control our leaders. We need government because people are flawed. We don’t need government because people are well behaved. We don’t need government because it has too many checks and balances.

Answer 1

Answer: We need government because people are flawed.

In this excerpt, the author argues that the reason government exists is because men are not angels. Men are not perfect, instead, they are flawed, and this means that they are often tempted to corruption, abuse, self-interest, and other detrimental acts. Government exists so we can regulate the behaviour of these people, who might otherwise abuse their power or act in a selfish way regardless of what is best for the nation.

Answer 2

The correct answer is B) We need the government because people are flawed.

The statement that summarizes the publication’s view of government is "We need the government because people are flawed."

We are talking about the Federalists Papers written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, to support the ratification of the Constitution in New York. They published 85 documents under the synonymous of "Plubius," in which they elaborated on the arguments to support the new Constitution. The importance of the separation of powers and the checks and balances system were two of the most important arguments of the papers.