Federalists 51

             Madison had a difficulty in mean ruling over men because "If men were angels, no government would be necessary"(Federalists 51). The problem is men aren't angels and we are only human; which means there will be mistakes. The difficulty in  men ruling over men is first, that the government needs control of the governed and second the government needs control over itself. 

           The government has progressed over time and "A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on government; but experience has taught banking the necessity of auxiliary precautions"(Federalists 51). As the people we make sure that the government is in control because we are the ones voting for our representatives and giving them the power. We the people are therefore insured of our rights and give the power to the government. The government can only have as much power as we give them. There are many auxiliary precautions; such as: division of power, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, federal structure,  and the separation of power. The separation of power creates a check and balance because there is distinct authority in each branch. They all check each other and can stay controlled because when in conflict of interest there can be a revote, a overruling/overriding, and approving of such laws being created and set forth. For example; if the legislative branch passes a law and the President vetos it then they can revote and override the veto if there is a two-thirds majority vote. The power is equalized throughout the three branches. Not only is government separated into three branches nationally, but also in states and this division in power adds security. The legislative branch in the National government it was separated into two houses to add an extra check because of the amount of power held in this branch. With all theses different branches and many people within it, it is harder for corruption to come about in a multitude than it would be in one man. The written constitution is an auxiliary precaution because it sets forth laws to make sure our rights are protected and prohibits government from infringing upon certain rights; thus limiting the governmental power. This written document along with the Bill of rights directly and clearly state what the only things government can do and the things the are prohibited from doing. The debate between a "living" Constitution and an established constitution is its own precaution. The federalist papers help to understand and determine the word choice and interpretation of the Constitution. We are just human and for that reason alone we need auxiliary precautions to protect our rights. These auxiliary precautions make sure that the government controls itself and the governed. They are also a way to make sure there is equality in power and that is through the people.       

Inspiration of the Constitution

     The main principles in the constitution were all inspired. The fact that the power is not in man's hand was a thought that came to them. The Bill of Rights was a document that needed to be written. The founding fathers were opened up by the spirit to be able to come to an agreement in order to agree upon the Bill of Rights. They also better organized the government through different branches of government. They divided  the powers of states and national government in order to allow a stronger government. The fact of government and religion are separate was huge in laying down the foundations of our religion. The organization was needed for the restoration of the gospel according to Dallin H. Oak's talk. In D&C 101 verses 76-80. "I suffered to be established...Just and holy principles...the wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose." He made sure there would be knowledgable men who could help build up these ideas through the Spirit of God. In D&C 9 it talks about studying it out in your mind then ask me in your mind. These men studied and diligently thought about it. They were then able to retrieve  inspiration.

       The Founding Fathers were great men who were put on the earth at this time and in that place to set forth a government that could withstand rule from other governments. They studied a lot before and had to do their homework before hand. Many of them studied not only for hours, but days and even weeks. They studied other countries political views a long with  many previous philosophers. They were striving to discover the best possible government they could create. They studied and pondered the governments of old and modern and each of the benefits and downfalls. They were struggling to find a way to get out of British's power. They were being  unfairly treated and wanted it too end. There was no way that their current government was strong enough to defend against the British. They all brought their ideas with them to the meetings. They had to counsel together to  come up and build off each others ideas. They had to open themselves up for inspiration and revelation to God. Through his help they were able to come up with the Bill of Rights and laws that would make the nation stronger.