Analyzing Principles Assessment

Learning Target: I can analyze how an identified principle influenced a decision or institution in early U.S. government.

Part 1: Read the Excerpt

Below is a passage from The Federalist Papers No. 51 (James Madison, 1788):

“But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?”

Part 2: Guided Analysis Questions

1. Which principle of government does Madison describe in this excerpt?
   Explain in your own words what this principle means.

1. Identify one specific decision or institutional feature in the early U.S. government that reflects this principle.
   Describe how the Founders applied it.

1. Quote the sentence or phrase from the excerpt that best supports your example.
   Provide the exact wording and note where it appears.

1. In a short paragraph (3–4 sentences), explain how this evidence shows the influence of the principle on your chosen institution or decision.
   Use transition words such as “because,” “therefore,” or “as a result.”

1. (Optional Extension) Draw a simple diagram or flowchart illustrating how this principle operates between two branches of government (for example, Executive checking Legislative). Label each branch and the check it exerts.