Essay #55, The Total Number of the House of Representatives, is the first of four essays defending the Constitutional provisions for the House of Representatives.
James Madison stands pat on his argument for its size, and argues that the anti-federalist positions are unreasonable and exaggerated. He defends the notion that the House of Representatives is large and varied enough to defeat any cabals that might emerge.
He defends the virtue of citizens to thwart any efforts by corrupt politicians threatening the rights of the people. “Without virtue, nothing less than the chains of despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another.”
Credit for the summary and analysis of Essay #55 is given to Brittany Nelson and Christopher Higgins (second revision 09/15/2011). Weinbloom, Elizabeth ed. “The Federalist Papers Essay #55 Summary and Analysis”. GradeSaver, 30 December 2011 Web. 5 February 2019.
You can read a summary and analysis of Essay #55 by clicking HERE.
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