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Difficulty: MediumFederalist No. 51

Read the following passage from a foundational U.S. document:

"In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments."

Which of the following constitutional principles is described in the passage as a safeguard for the rights of the people?

  1. A
    The creation of a large, extended republic to prevent any single faction from dominating the political system
  2. The combination of federalism and the separation of powers to distribute authority across multiple levels and branchesAnswer
  3. C
    The establishment of checks and balances to allow each branch of the federal government to limit the actions of the others
  4. D
    The reservation of specific powers to state governments to protect their sovereignty from national supremacy

Answer

The combination of federalism and the separation of powers to distribute authority across multiple levels and branches
The correct answer is the option stating that federalism and the separation of powers are combined. Madison describes a "compound republic" where power is first divided between the federal and state governments (federalism) and then further subdivided within each government (separation of powers). This structure provides multiple layers of protection for individual liberties.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the excerpt to identify the structural mechanisms mentioned.
The text references power being "first divided between two distinct governments" and then "subdivided among distinct and separate departments."
To understand what constitutional principles the author is describing.
2
Map the identified structural mechanisms to standard constitutional principles.
Division between two distinct governments represents federalism; subdivision among distinct departments represents the separation of powers.
To connect the specific language of Federalist No. 51 to the core vocabulary of the AP U.S. Government course.
3
Evaluate the options to find the one that accurately synthesizes both principles as safeguards for liberty.
The option combining federalism and the separation of powers is correct.
To select the correct option based on the text's description of a compound republic.

Key Concept

The structural mechanisms of Federalist No. 51 (separation of powers and federalism as a double security for liberty).
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Topics

Federalist No. 51

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