Previous
Federalist No. 13
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Federalist Papers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Importance of the Constitution
The Necessity of a Strong Union
Leadership and Representation
Checks and Balances
Federal Power vs. States Rights
Summary
Analysis
James Madison writes that the United States is well-suited for a large republic and that critics who claim the country is too big for a unified government are mistaken. He explains that while direct democracies work best in small areas, a republic—where elected representatives govern on behalf of the people—can successfully manage a much larger nation. Madison reassures readers that the U.S. is not too large to be governed effectively. He points out that modern improvements in communication and transportation, such as roads and waterways, make it possible for representatives to stay connected with the people they serve.
Madison’s argument responds directly to long-standing political theories, particularly those of Montesquieu, who warned that large republics tend to collapse under their own complexity. By focusing on the role of representation rather than direct democracy, Madison adapts classical republican thought to the realities of a growing post-Revolutionary America. His emphasis on improved communication and transportation speaks to the unique conditions of the young nation, where expanding infrastructure allowed for governance across vast territories—something earlier republics like Rome struggled with as they grew.
Themes
Madison also says that a national government will not interfere with everyday local affairs; instead, it will focus on larger issues like defense, trade, and national unity, while state governments handle local matters. He warns that if the country were divided into smaller confederacies, they would be weaker, more prone to conflict, and less able to protect themselves. A strong national government ensures peace, prosperity, and a shared identity as Americans.
By promoting a shared American identity, Madison engages in a form of nation-building, aiming to move public thinking beyond local allegiances and toward a broader sense of unity. This push for national cohesion was crucial at this moment in history when state loyalties often outweighed any broader federal identity, making his vision as much about cultural consolidation as political structure.
Themes
Upgrade to unlock the analysis and theme tracking for all of The Federalist PapersThe Federalist Papers!
Get LitCharts A+
