Question

Read the quote from James Madison.

If men were angels, no 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.

The main idea that Madison addresses is why the US government

Answer 1

Needed to be established, if men were Angels then there would be no reason for a Government everybody would be perfect... He's saying that the Government is essential because of Human nature (at least some people)

Answer 2

The main idea that Madison addresses is why the US government is needed.

James Madison starts the paragraph by presenting a hypothetical situation "if men were angels..." he tries to convey that if men were perfect, the establishment of a government in society wouldn't be needed since there wouldn't any conflicts, crime, disorganization or injustices. However, we are "imperfect" individuals, we aren't all wise enough to peacefully create and maintain a society in the benefit of all, hence the government is needed.

Furthermore, according to one of the founder father of America, we don't only need a government that governs the people but also governs itself, this latter referring that government must be balance and check by its parts (The branches of the Judicial, Legislative and Executive).