Madison's view on human
nature is realistic. He assumed that man was at his best when capable of self-reason
and discipline that the government was a true reflection of the people.
The authors
of The Federalist Papers surely believed that there was a
positive aspect to human nature. They often talk about reason, virtue, and
morality. But they also acknowledged there was a negative aspect to human
nature. They believed that outlining a republic required a balance of power
that frees human dignity and rationality and controls human sin and depravity. As there is a gradation
of corruption in men which necessitates an assured degree of caution and
distrust, so there are other merits in human nature which validate a certain
portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government assumes the existence of these qualities in a
higher degree than any other form.
The framers created a government that was grounded
upon a realistic view of human nature.The success of this administration in
large part is due to untying power structures because of their desire to limit
the impact of human sinfulness.