The Federalist No. 57: The Alleged Tendency of the New Plan to Elevate the Few at the Expense of the Many - James Madison (February 19, 1788)
Madison argues that representative government remains democratic because elections, accountability, equal political rights, and shared interests encourage representatives to faithfully serve the people rather than a privileged elite.
1. Representative government depends on electing capable leaders who serve the public good.
2. Equal political rights prevent government from becoming an aristocracy.
3. Regular elections keep representatives accountable to the people.
4. Representatives remain connected to the people because they are governed by the same laws.
5. A free and vigilant public is the ultimate safeguard of republican government.
6. Large electoral districts strengthen, rather than weaken, representative democracy.