...Madison gives expression to the spirit of our first principle when he writes in Federalist Paper no 57: "the aim of every political constitution is or ought...virtuous, whilst they continue to hold their public trust (Wills 1982, p 289). The first principle implements what Morton White sees as Madison's guiding idea...

...astounding for republicans to make.96 "The aim of every political constitution," Madison maintained, "is or ought to be first to obtain for rulers men...virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."97 The plan of the convention met both tests, incorporating every safeguard that sincere republicans...

...opportunity. 17. "The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain rulers who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society; and in the next place to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous." Quoted...

...providing specific sanctions. Basing rewards on codes of ethics is an oftenmissed opportunity. 17. "The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain rulers who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society; and...

...they must lower the power of incentives for the incumbent. Madison (Federalist no. 57) thought that "The aim of every political constitution is, or ought...whilst they continue to hold their public trust." Using the vote for both purposes - to obtain the best rulers and to keep them virtuous - is not irrational:...

...government and create incentives for the elected government to behave well. Madison's prescription - "The aim of every political constitution is, or ought...virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust" - hides a dilemma (Madison 1982 [1788]: Paper 57: 370). If voters use the vote to choose good governments,...

...who will elect as its representatives — landlords, merchants and members of the learned professions '"who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society,' or those who are most outstanding by 'merits and talents,' by 'ability and virtue.'"15 According...

...basic level, self-interest plays a significant role in motivating behaviour. Economising on virtue The aim of every political constitution is, or ought...virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust. Motivation and morality (Federalist papers, 57, lames Madison) In the two preceding chapters we have...

...Madison captured the framers' strained conjunction of hope and cynicism in The Federalist, Number 5y\ "The aim of every political constitution is, or ought...virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."40 The framers' Machiavellian concern with the fragility of the new republic actually led them...

...distinct character. How are elected citizens different from assembled citizens? Elections are intended to "obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom...virtue to pursue, the common good of the society," but The Federalist more modestly predicts that those actually elected will be "somewhat distinguished"...