Question

Use the excerpt below to identify and explain the author’s perspective.

“Whilst the objection itself is leveled against a pretended oligarchy, the principle of it strikes at the very root of republican government. The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust. The elective mode of obtaining rulers is the characteristic policy of republican government. The means relied on in this form of government for preventing their degeneracy are numerous and various. The most effectual one, is such a limitation of the term of appointments as will maintain a proper responsibility to the people.” Federalist #57 – Alexander Hamilton or James Madison

Answer 1

He is basically saying that in a country few should rule (oligarchy). These would be the wisest and the best. These rulers are elected. To keep this system efficient he suggests that these rulers should only stay in office for a short period of time, so that the people keep deciding how their country should be 

Answer 2

What I believe Alexander Hamilton is saying is that for every ruler there must be fair advisors that will come up with fair solutions to benefit both the citizens of the kingdom (wherever it may be) and the ruler themselves. I hope this helps!