Final answer:
James Madison's view that the powers of the federal government are 'few and defined' while those of the states 'numerous and indefinite' is reinforced by the U.S. Constitution's Article I, Section 8, and the Tenth Amendment, as well as the Federalist Papers which outline the federalist system of government.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Federalist, No. 45, James Madison's assertion that the federal government's powers are "few and defined" and state government powers are "numerous and indefinite," is supported by various provisions in the U.S. Constitution. Notably, these include the enumerated powers of Congress in Article I, Section 8, which are specific powers granted to the federal government, and the Tenth Amendment, which retains all powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, as state powers. Furthermore, Madison's views, as expressed in the broader Federalist Papers, support the federalist structure of the government, emphasizing a balance and separation of powers between the state and national governments.
For example, Article I, Section 9 places limitations on Congress' powers, reinforcing the idea that the federal government is confined to its enumerated roles. In addition, the principle of federalism is a key characteristic of the Constitution, as seen in the ways states maintain sovereignty in certain realms, which was a fundamental point in Madison's writing. The Federalist Papers, particularly Nos. 51 and 39, articulate the theory behind this structure, assuring citizens that the division of power safeguards against tyranny and maintains the federal nature of the government. The arguments laid out in the Federalist Papers also helped to sway opinion and favor a stronger, yet balanced, central government.
To directly address the concerns regarding potential overreach by the federal government, the Tenth Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights affirming that the powers not given to the federal government remained with the states or the people. This Amendment is a clear constitutional endorsement of Madison's statement and serves to reassure that the state governments remain relevant and powerful within the federal system.