James Madison, a former Delegate, from the Commonwealth of Virginia, to the Constitutional Convention, using the penname “Publius,” publishes “Federalist #14.”  In paragraphs two, five and eight he argues, that direct democracy is meant to be practiced over a small area, while representative republics work best for larger areas; and the limiting to powers of powers of the federal government to those listed in the Constitution:

       … [I]n a democracy, the people meet and exercise the government in person; in a republic, they assemble and administer it by their representatives and agents.  A democracy, consequently, will be confined to a small spot.  A republic may be extended over a large region.

· · · · · · ·

       As the natural limit of a democracy is that distance from the central point which will just permit the most remote citizens to assemble as often as their public functions demand, and will include no greater number than can join in those functions; so the natural limit of a republic is that distance from the centre [sic] which will barely allow the representatives to meet as often as may be necessary for the administration of public affairs. …

· · · · · · ·

       … [T]he general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws.  Its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any.  The subordinate governments, which can extend their care to all those other subjects which can be separately provided for, will retain their due authority: and activity. Were it proposed by the plan of the convention to abolish the governments of the particular States, its adversaries would have some ground for their objection. …

       [restored 11/29/2024]