Question

"Federalist 51"
by James Madison

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.



Federalist Papers No. 51 (1788) by James Madison

Use the passage to answer the question.

What is the intended effect of the rhetorical questions in the passage?

(1 point)

to pose a question about government the writer wants the reader to answer

to explain the best method for a government to control the governed

to emphasize the absolute goodness of human beings

to reinforce a government’s relationship to human nature

Answer 1

to reinforce a government’s relationship to human nature

Explanation: The rhetorical questions highlight that government arises from human nature (people aren't angels) and must both control the governed and control itself.