Choosing between styles of governments can be an interesting decision. Although everyone has their own idea of an ideal government, the truth of the matter is, to achieve the consent of the population on the same form of government; people will have to compromise because of the vast diversity of the nation. An ideal government is like picking a bank to invest your money in. Although some banks have high interest rates which will result in higher returns, other options like the amount of time required to leave your money might not be as favorable to you. In each case, a person has to weigh out the benefits and the down sides to make a decision on what to do. After reviewing the Cutler essay and the Federalist Papers, I believe the separation of powers as well as the system of checks and balances, which our present government holds, not only work but are also necessary to keep a form of government that will last throughout time.
People throughout history have wondered whether or not the separation of powers works in favor of our government or against it. Cutler believes �amendments to our existing constitutional framework are needed to govern our portion of the interdependent world society we have become� (Cutler 126). Another reason some are against the separation of powers is because our legislature has had a difficult time passing amendments with the consent of each branch. �The separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches�has become a structure that almost guarantees stalemate today� (Cutler 127). Cutler believes that a type of parliamentary institution should be put in place, replacing our current representative democracy. Madison supports a different perspective on the separation of powers. �Each department should have a will of it�s own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others� (Fed. 51, A-5). Madison would like to abolish the tendency of corrupting government by using the system of separated powers. With the separation of powers it is more difficult for a faction to gain control of the whole government.
Concern has also come about on the issue of the effectiveness of checks and balances that the three branches hold on each other. �A responsible government must be able to adapt its programs to achieve the best balance among its conflicting goals as each new development arises� (Cutler 133). If each branch of the government cannot rely on the other branches to pass amendments and make decisions on important issues then the system of checks and balances seems to be working too good. �For balancing choices�it is almost impossible to achieve a broad consensus� (Cutler 133). �If we look closely we will find that in this century the system has succeeded only on the rare occasions when there is an unusual event that brings us together, and creates substantial consensus throughout the country on the need for a whole new program� (Cutler 137). Madison�s main idea was to make it difficult for a bill to be passed without the consent of the people. With the system of checks and balances it is necessary for all three branches to agree on the same thing, which is reflecting the will of the people. Without a system of checks and balances it is hard for the government to control itself. �You must first enable to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself� (Fed. 51, A-5). Without the system of checks and balances it is almost impossible to retain a government that is able to limit their own control and still be beneficial to the nation.
Cutler believes the separation of powers, which is expressed in the Constitution of the United States, may cause some problems with agendas and relationships inside the government. Cutler suggests, �because we do not �form a government,� it has not been possible for [a] president to carry out [the] major part of his program� (Cutler 127). Cutler�s idea of an ideal government is one that closely represents the English parliamentary system with a few moderate changes. Cutler believes �it is the duty of each member of the legislature to vote for each element of the Government�s program, and the Government possesses the means to punish members if they do not� (Cutler 129). Cutler believes that when the president is elected, his programs should be enforced completely and he is held accountable if it fails or turns out beneficial. If each member of the majority party does not comply with this system, the representatives are expulsed from the party. In this system, whatever party holds the majority after the elections holds almost all the power of the government. Although this could turn out to be an ideal situation if the party with the common goals of the people holds the majority, it could also end up in the control of a majority that changes it�s agenda after being elected.
Madison believes in a government by the people also but he pictures an ideal national government as one that holds a large portion of the power but at the same time doesn�t have the ability to abuse that power because of the separation of powers and the system of checks and balance that each branch has over the other two. Speaking of watching over the public rights Madison states, �These inventions of prudence cannot be less requisite in the distribution of the supreme powers of the State� (Fed. 51, A-5). Madison has come from a time when the government has corrupted the national power and he is doing everything in his power to stop that from happening in this newly founded country. Madison believes that corrupted power has come from factions that are founded from corrupt individuals. Madison comments, �If men were angles, no government would be necessary� (Fed. 51, A-5). James Madison is convinced a government with separated branches that have checks and balances over each other is the most realistic idea for a government that will last throughout time.
Although there is some argument over whether a separation of powers within the national government limits the ability of the president�s agenda to be passed, I believe that we don�t elect a president because we like everything he believes should be done, but we choose the man that agrees closest to what we think should happen. The overall consent of the people is heard by electing representatives, which in turn vote for the majority in each individual state. I also believe that a system of checks and balances is needed along with the separation of power. This system allows each branch to vote for the people they represent and not have to worry about discipline if that vote doesn�t agree with the majority party. Some may contend that this system only slows things down and that we won�t be able to act is something important arises. In this case I can only refer to history and see that our country has acted fast with little disagreement when the time arose to act fast which goes to show that we can and will act sensibly if the situation requires. The government that is instilled in our society today has been the most well rounded government that I have seen or read about.
After review of these two documents, I have come to the realization that the separation of powers along with the system of checks and balances not only works in our government but also is necessary to prevent us from failing like other nations in the past. Using this form of government limits the ability of factions to develop and come into power. Although visions of ideal situations arise in our minds, it is at the will of the people that a government is based and by using that will, compromises are going to be made.