The Purpose of Government and American Political Philosophy

Foundational Principles

Protection of Individual Rights: The primary goal of the republic envisioned by the Founders like James Madison, James Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, and George Mason is to secure fundamental individual rights and the people's right to self-governance through consent.
Federalist No. 10 and No. 51: James Madison emphasizes that the first object of government is to protect the exercise of individual faculties and to balance governmental power to prevent tyranny while promoting liberty.

Madison's Definition of Property: Extends beyond physical possessions to include opinions, religious beliefs, and the liberty of personal faculties. Everyone has a property in their rights.
Self-Government: Legitimate government protects individuals' rights to develop into the people they wish to be.

Energetic Government: The Framers aimed to create a self-governing republic with a balance of energetic governance and proper restraints on power.
Checks and Balances: Governments need adequate power to control the governed and must also control themselves, requiring internal and external checks.

Federal and State Levels: The Constitution divides power between the national and state governments, as well as within branches of government, to create a double security for rights.
Bicameral Legislature: Comprises the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinct roles and methods of selection, designed to check each other's power.

Auxiliary Precautions: Systematic controls to ensure effective and safe governance, drawing on historical insights to avoid the failures of past republics.
Federalist Papers: Advocated for a republic that combines effectiveness with liberty through separated powers and a federal structure.

Residual Sovereignty: State powers are limited by the national government’s oversight, with the Constitution restraining both the national and state governments.
Judicial Review: Allows the national judiciary to review state actions to prevent rights infringements.

Citizen Competence: An informed citizenry is essential for republican self-government, requiring skills and dispositions to promote justice and the common good.
Preservation of Institutions: Citizens must understand and manage institutions to protect the republic’s foundational goals.

Enlightenment Influence: The Founders' vision was influenced by Enlightenment ideas, aiming to secure a decent life for citizens according to their own faculties and objectives.