Question

Read the passage. The regular distribution of power into distinct departments… the representation of the people in the legislature by deputies of their own election: these are… powerful means, by which the excellences of republican government may be retained. Whose viewpoint does this excerpt reflect?

Answer 1

The passage reflects James Madison's principles of republican government which posits that power comes from the people and officials are elected for limited periods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The viewpoint reflected in the excerpt belongs to James Madison and the principles of republican government as understood in the late 18th century in America. This form of government is characterized by a system where power is derived, directly or indirectly, from the people, and is administered by officials elected for a limited period or based on good behavior. Madison, along with other Founding Fathers, believed in dividing power among various departments to prevent any single entity from becoming too powerful, thereby protecting individual liberties and ensuring that the government remained accountable to the people—a concept integral to American republicanism.

Answer 2

The viewpoint reflected in this passage is the one of a Republican. This is because he describes the Republican government as excellent.