The Federalist Papers · Chapter
LXIII: The Senate Continued explained
Madison argues for a stable Senate to maintain national character and responsibility, addressing the need for a select body to ensure foreign respect and continuity in governance.
What happens
Madison argues for a stable Senate to maintain national character and responsibility, addressing the need for a select body to ensure foreign respect and continuity in governance. He counters objections that the Senate might become aristocratic, citing historical examples and the checks provided by the House of Representatives.
Themes in this chapter
Republican Government and Representation
Madison discusses the principle of representation in ancient and modern governments, emphasizing the American innovation of excluding the people in their collective capacity.
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
The chapter argues that the Senate's stability is checked by the House of Representatives and the people, preventing aristocratic usurpation.
Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government
Madison highlights the need for a select body to guard against passions and momentary interests, reflecting on human nature's limitations.
National Security and Foreign Relations
The essay emphasizes the importance of national character for foreign respect and the Senate's role in maintaining it.
Characters to notice
- Publius
Author of the essay, presenting arguments for the Senate's utility and stability.
- James Madison
Likely author of this Federalist Paper, defending the Senate's design.
- Solon
Mentioned in context of Athenian reforms and the election of archons.
- The Senate
The subject of the chapter, discussed as a stable legislative body.
- Congress
Implied as the broader legislative body including the Senate and House.
- The Achaeans
Referenced as an example of a confederacy with a stable council.
- The Lacedaemonians
Mentioned in the context of Spartan ephori as representative bodies.
- The Amphictyons
Cited as an example of ancient councils with representative elements.
Key passages
“A fifth desideratum, illustrating the utility of a senate, is the want of a due sense of national character.”
A fifth essential benefit of a senate is to instill a proper regard for national reputation.
Madison argues that a stable senate is necessary to maintain the nation's standing abroad.
“Responsibility, in order to be reasonable, must be limited to objects within the power of the responsible party.”
For accountability to be fair, it must only apply to matters the responsible party can control.
Madison explains why short-term representatives cannot be held responsible for long-term outcomes.
“The people can never wilfully betray their own interests; but they may possibly be betrayed by the representatives of the people.”
The people will not intentionally harm themselves, but their representatives might betray them.
Madison justifies the need for a senate as a check on potential representative betrayal.
“The true distinction between these and the American governments, lies in the total exclusion of the people, in their collective capacity, from any share in the latter.”
The key difference between ancient and American governments is that Americans completely exclude the people as a collective from governing.
Madison clarifies the unique nature of American representative government.
“Liberty may be endangered by the abuses of liberty as well as by the abuses of power.”
Freedom can be threatened by its own misuse just as much as by tyranny.
Madison counters the fear of an aristocratic senate by warning against excessive democracy.
