WILL OF THE MAJORITY
After dividing the exercise of power among the various levels and branches of
government, the framers then sought ways to avoid a tyranny of the majority, which
elects the government. Since the will of the majority is expressed most directly
through the legislature, Madison was particularly concerned about limiting the
powers of Congress. The original, unammended constitution heavily mediated and
limited popular participation even in the legislature: only the members of the House
of Representatives were directly elected by the voters. Senators were appointed by
the various state legislatures, which themselves often had only one house that was
directly elected. This procedure for appointing Senators lasted until 1913, when the
17th Amendment provided for their direct election. James Madison also said that in
considering proposed laws. Congress (and especially the Senate) should not simply
follow popular opinion; rather, the Representatives and Senators should deliberate
among themselves about the wisest policy.

In the executive branch, the president originally was chosen not by a vote of the
people, but by a vote of the Electoral College. Originally, members of the Electoral

College were selected by state legislators, who were expected to choose a President

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