If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
—James Madison, Federalist Paper 51

Which concept is James Madison discussing?

Question

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
—James Madison, Federalist Paper 51

Which concept is James Madison discussing?

wolframwizard · Answer

I think the concept is a federal government.

anonymous · Answer

it was checks and balances, but thank you for helping :)