In Essay #58, Objection That The Number of Members Will Not Be Augmented as the Progress of Population Demands Considered, James Madison illustrates the significant tension and mutual suspicion that existed between the large and small states. He addresses the fears of the large states, of which New York was one of the most important, and tries to reassure them that the small states will not be able to unduly limit their representation.
Unlike today when the general public interest is on national issues, during the time of ratification, local state issues were of most concern to the people. People in larger states – like New York – worried that power would become more concentrated in the smaller states and this power would enable the smaller states to disproportionally limit the representation of the larger states as the nation’s population changes.
Credit for the summary and analysis of Essay #58 is given to Brittany Nelson and Christopher Higgins (second revision 09/15/2011). Weinbloom, Elizabeth ed. “The Federalist Papers Essay #58 Summary and Analysis”. GradeSaver, 30 December 2011 Web. 15 February 2019.
You can read a summary and analysis of Essay #58 by clicking HERE.