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.