Madison dramatized his perspective in a Federalist paper by observing that 'if men were __________, no government would be necessary'.

• A. Angels
• B. Federalists
• C. Anti-federalists
• D. Aristocrats

Answer: (A)

This question tests the idea that government is necessary because people are not perfect. Madison uses a stark hypothetical to make this point: if people were angels, there would be no need for a government to restrain them. The word he uses to express that ideal contrast is angels, signaling virtuous perfection as the exception that removes the need for political structures. Since humans are flawed and driven by self-interest, government, with mechanisms like checks and balances, is required to prevent tyranny and protect rights.

The other terms don’t fit the quoted idea. Federalists and Anti-federalists refer to camps in the constitutional ratification debate, not a description of human nature. Aristocrats denotes a social class, not the hypothetical virtue Madison invokes. So the best fit for the blank is angels.