FCLE The Federalist Papers 6

Question 1

In Federalist No. 10, Madison argues that the 'causes of faction' cannot be removed without destroying liberty. Which of the following best captures why he concludes the only practical approach is to control the 'effects' of faction?

Accepted Answer

Because the unequal faculties of men in acquiring property, together with the liberty that lets them pursue differing interests and opinions, make faction a product of human nature

Answer

Madison says liberty is to faction what air is to fire, and removing it would be a cure worse than the disease. The other route, giving everyone the same opinions and interests, is impracticable because the diversity of human faculties, especially in acquiring property, is rooted in human nature. So only the effects can be controlled.

Question 2

In Federalist No. 51, Madison describes the structural reasoning behind the separation of powers. Which statement most accurately reflects his argument for how each branch is kept within its limits?

Accepted Answer

Parchment barriers alone are insufficient, so each department needs the constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments by the others, with ambition counteracting ambition

Answer

Madison argues that the interior structure of government should let its parts check one another, giving each department the constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments. He rejects reliance on mere parchment barriers and says 'auxiliary precautions' are needed because men are not angels.

Question 3

Federalist No. 78 addresses the tenure and role of federal judges. Which reasoning does Hamilton use to justify judicial review in that essay?

Accepted Answer

Because the Constitution is fundamental law that represents the will of the people, courts must prefer it over a conflicting statute that represents only the will of the legislature

Answer

Hamilton argues that a limited Constitution requires courts to treat it as fundamental law. When a statute conflicts with it, the people's intention as expressed in the Constitution must prevail over the agents' (legislators') intention. He also calls the judiciary the 'least dangerous' branch because it has neither force nor will, only judgment.

Question 4

In Federalist No. 70, Hamilton defends a unitary executive. Which of the following is a reason he gives for rejecting a plural executive?

Accepted Answer

A plural executive tends to conceal faults and destroy responsibility, because blame can be shifted among the officials and accountability is blurred

Answer

Hamilton argues that energy in the executive requires unity, and that plurality 'tends to conceal faults and destroy responsibility.' With several executives, blame can be shifted or obscured, weakening accountability to the people and to the impeachment process.

Question 5

Federalist No. 84 contains Hamilton's argument against adding a bill of rights to the proposed Constitution. Which of his arguments is most directly stated in that essay?

Accepted Answer

A bill of rights could be dangerous because it might imply that the government held powers not granted, supplying a pretext to claim authority to regulate the listed subjects

Answer

Hamilton argues that bills of rights are unnecessary in a government of delegated powers and could even be dangerous. Listing exceptions to powers not granted might give a plausible pretext for claiming that more powers were granted than actually were. His example is a press-liberty clause that might suggest authority to regulate the press.

FCLE - Florida Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

FCLE - Florida Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

FCLE The Federalist Papers 6