Madison and the Failure of Democracies

We are living in times that would horrify James Madison.

The founding father did so much to avoid ochlocracy but here we are today.

Thomas Jefferson had sent his good friend James Madison books on failed democracies. As Madison would be drafting the constitution, he was resolute that it would prevent America being run by demagogues and passion fuelled mobs.

Reading about ancient Athens, he saw troubles in their democracy and cited reasons for its failure. The assembly in Athens where a minimum of 6,000 citizens were required, led to passionate views that would overcome the logical Enlightened thinkers.

“In all very numerous assemblies, of whatever characters composed, passion never fails to wrest the sceptre from reason,” he argued.

Madison believed the citizens of Athens had been swung by indecent politicians who took advantage of their emotions. People had become more aggressive towards opponents to Athens largely due to being convinced by fanatic Cleon. Some devious people were arguing for policies and changes that would not necessarily beneficial for the masses but by playing on the citizens emotions there were able to gain power. Madison believed he was starting to see this in America where there were cries for abolition of all debts…