How Did John Locke Encourage The Ratification Of The Constitution

In Federalists No. 10, one of the strongest pieces of the Federalists Papers that pushed and helped in the ratification of the constitution, James Madison argues factions, the threat they pose and his ideas of how to secure an outcome; and with the influence of John Locke successfully creates a document that encouraged the acceptance of the Constitution. Madison wanted a nation under one republic, he wanted to guarantee a strong union, one that no enemy could conquer whether it be an enemy country or a majority of the people right in America’s backyard. Locke also believed a strong nation required obedience from all and had very specific understandings of what man and governments roles were from which one can tell Madison drew from on his understanding

He believed that people were born with reason and in with that came common interests and peace, but he also knew that people would need something to act as a third party in natural brawls. He supported a government that would take action when needed but other-wise stay at bay. When this government made appearance at times in need of control the people would willingly consent to a social contract, which was the notion of at times for the good of the people losing some freedoms. With this government, and its powers came the important opportunity for the people to discard the representatives that they felt were not governing for the people. Locke knew that man was easily influence by self-interest, and if man governed man that wouldn’t it be only natural for government to become a self-interested tool for its own consumption of power and benefits; Madison’s theories constantly worried of a central government that would obtain too much power. Both Locke and Madison gave key sight to these problematic occurrences, and strategically purposed ways to eliminate a

10 and no. 51, in regards with factions. Madison proposed a large republic, in which the minority and majority could chose representatives, the most properly informed, to make decisions without disregarding the good/interests of the other. In this Madison also expresses the loyalty of the representatives is demanding, which is very similar to Locke’s view on the on the government’s obligation and duty to never serve against the people and always in the best interest of the people. In Locke’s suggestion of the three branches he also bring along with it the urge for checks and balances, an urge that Madison acknowledged and engaged in densely when trying to establish the Constitution as a savior. As Madison stated, “government…greatest of all reflections on human nature” (Madison Federalist no. 51), Locke also, to a lesser extent, agreed, rather introduced this thought. If man is subjected to selfishness through human nature, and man runs government, than wouldn’t it be true that government can become a pit of greediness and self-indulgence? This is why both Locke and Madison favored and praised the ideas of checks and balances and the people being able to rid those in leading positions who they did not see fit in serving them. Both Locke and Madison agreed with the government being available for the people, to help the people but also