# LX: The Same Subject Continued (Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members) explained — The Federalist Papers

> Chapter companion for The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton.

## What happens

Hamilton argues that granting the federal government the power to regulate its own elections is safe, as any attempt to manipulate elections for a particular class would provoke a popular revolution. He contends that the diverse composition of the national government and the different modes of electing its branches prevent any concerted bias, and that the landed interest will naturally predominate without needing to exclude commerce.

## Themes in this chapter

### Republican Government and Representation

Hamilton argues that the diverse interests and modes of election in the federal government prevent any single class from dominating representation.

### Control of Faction and Majority Tyranny

The essay addresses fears that a majority might use election regulations to oppress a minority, but Hamilton deems such an attempt unlikely and self-defeating.

### Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government

Hamilton relies on the people's vigilance and readiness to revolt against any usurpation of their electoral rights.

## Character check-ins

### Publius

Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York and defending the Constitution.

### Alexander Hamilton

Likely author of this Federalist Paper, arguing for federal control of election regulations.

### Congress

The federal legislature whose power to regulate elections is defended.

### The Senate

Mentioned as a branch whose composition by state legislatures makes it immune to federal manipulation of elections.

## Key lines

> Of all chimerical suppositions, this seems to be the most chimerical.

This is the most fanciful and unrealistic idea of all.

_Hamilton dismisses the fear that Congress would manipulate election districts to exclude most citizens._

> it could never be made without causing an immediate revolt of the great body of the people, headed and directed by the state governments.

Any such attempt would instantly provoke a popular uprising led by the state governments.

_Hamilton argues that the people and states would resist any federal abuse of election power._

> the landed interest must, upon the whole, preponderate in the government.

The agricultural class will naturally dominate the government overall.

_Hamilton asserts that the landed interest will prevail without needing to exclude commercial interests._

## Links

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