Skip to Main Content

Educator Hub
Explore our wide range of educator resources
Resource Types
High School US History Resources
High School Government Resources
Middle School Resources
Elementary Resources - BRI Jr
Debate Resources
Categories
We Teach History & Civics
Each of our resources is free, scholar reviewed, and easy to implement. Browse our full collection by subject, grade-level, era, or term.
Explore All of Our Resources
Student Hub
Learn and grow with the Bill of Rights Institute
Video Resources
Homework Help Videos
Supreme Court Case Overview Videos
AP Gov Required Cases Videos
Resource Types
MyImpact Challenge
Showcase your service project for a chance to win $10,000! MyImpact Challenge accepts projects that are charitable, government intiatives, or entrepreneurial in nature. Open to students aged 13-19.
Find out More
Invest In Our Future
Learn how to become a corporate partner with BRI
Partner with Us
Power of the Printed Word
Civics for Everyone
Contact Us
Help give students the civic education they deserve
Make the most immediate impact through a gift to BRI today to promote freedom and opportunity for students and teachers across America.
Learn how you can support our work
About BRI
The Bill of Rights Institute teaches civics. We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society.
Board and Staff
BRI Blog
FAQs
Statement of Academic Integrity
Join Our Team
Request Professional Development
Financial and Transparency
Press Information
Contact Us
Data Compliance
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
About Us
We seek an America where we more perfectly realize the promise of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This calls for civic education that helps students examine the story of our country and exercise the skills of citizenship.
Learn More

Balancing Ambition: Federalist 51 Explained Part 1 | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

Description

How does the structure of our federal system protect liberty? In part one of a two-part series, Kirk explains Federalist 51 in simple terms. How did the Founders set up a government that would balance power equally? Can personal motivations align with national interests while maintaining a balance of power in government?

Subscribe to YouTube

Published On	Aug 12, 2021
Duration	12 min
Founding Principle	Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers
Grade Level	7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Period Era	1780s, The Founding
Topic	Constitution

Related Resources

A Primary Source Close Reads Video Playlist

Dive into some of the most important speeches and documents from United States history. These videos dissect these documents, define key terms, and explore the lasting impact of the featured documents.

An image of a large building.

Federalist 51

In this Federalist Paper, James Madison explains and defends the checks and balances system in the Constitution. Each branch of government is framed so that its power checks the power of the other two branches; additionally, each branch of government is dependent on the people, who are the source of legitimate authority.

Unit 3: The American Government

“But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?” With an understanding built through theory and practical experience, Americans worked to design a government that would secure liberty and justice.

Balancing Interests: Federalist 51 Explained Part 2 | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

How does the structure of our federal system protect liberty? In part 2 of our "Federalist 51 Explained" series, Kirk explores Publius' arguments for how the Constitution protects minority rights. How does the Constitution balance multiple interests to pursue the common good? What does it mean when Publius says that justice is the end of government?