Political Philosophy of James Madison

JAMES MADISON: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY AND THEORY

This research examines the development and the character of the political philosophy and theory of James Madison. Madison's political theory is complex, and in part is based on earlier developments in Western political thought. The most notable developments in political philosophy typically occur at periods of history when political discord is highest. The new developments are offered as cures for contemporary problems. Madison's political philosophy developed within such an environment, and was offered in such a context.

Philosophical criticism in politics explores human commitments in the context of the principals or values accepted by humanity. Such criticism provides a basis for testing the coherency of commitments and values. When incoherency can be demonstrated, choices between values and incompatible commitments may be forced. In the real world, discrepancies between expectations and doctrine invite both criticism and reformulation. That which begins as an exercise to realign principles with accepted contemporary practices also provides a basis for the development of new practices. Madison's political philosophy and theory sought both to realign principles and introduce new practices.

Development of Madison's Political Philosophy and Theory

The history of political philosophy is the succession of ideas concerning the organization of humanity into collectives. Political philosophy is philos

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law above political law. This concept in effect legitimized political dissent--the right to resist political authority which is contrary to the individual's concept of natural law. Since the reformation, many efforts have been made to incorporate natural law into political law in many societies. Hobbes contributed the concept of a relationship between protection of and obedience to political philosophy. According to Hobbes, the relationship required the absolute submission of the individual to the dictates of an arbitrary sovereign. Hobbes, however, did not equate sovereign with king or with any other kind of one-person rule. Rather, Hobbes viewed political law as the sovereign. Madison rejected this concept, holding republican government required the building of moral and intellectual character among citizens. In the late-seventeenth century, John Locke published his Two Treatises of Government, and launched the political philosophy of Whig constitutionalism. Whig constitutionalism challenged the philosophies holding that all men are born unfree, unequal, and in subjugation to an absolute and arbitrary sovereign. Conversely, Locke held that the natural state of man was a perfect freedom to act as they see fit. L

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