Discuss the competing views of citizenship in the United States that are covered in the text. Make sure to explain how Madison’s view of human nature differs greatly from the views of those who argue that citizens have a strong republican virtue. What does each argument say the role of citizens in American politics should be? What views of citizenship are not discussed in the text that students think should be discussed? Which point of view do you think is the most accurate?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Madison had a negative view of human nature and argued that a republic would be the best form of government because in a republic, decisions are made by elected officials rather than by citizens themselves. Pure democracy, according to Madison, was dangerous because it could mean a majority could take away rights, liberties, and property from citizens. The opposing republican-virtue position claims that citizens can and do put the public good before individual interest. Consequently, the citizen had a much smaller role in Madison’s eyes than in the eyes of those espousing republican virtue, who envisioned a positive role for citizens who had the ability to beneficially affect politics.