Review #3, Issue One: Checks and Balances Among the Anti-Federalist Papers, there are at least three arguments against the proposed system of checks and balances. At the very beginning of these articles, Centinel quickly introduces the first of them. The author defines system thinking as proposed by Adams. He then argues that the system would only work in a society with hereditary orders. His example: the British have such orders, creating real distinctions of rank and interests. Even in this system, according to Centinel, the only “operational and effective control” is the sense of the masses. It can be argued that without "hereditary orders", a distinction of interests can be found and has been discussed in several articles. . Interests vary from state to state, from rural farmers to urban businessmen. These distinctions were discussed in Federalist No. 10 as factions. Although the hierarchy of these interests is not linked to the nobility as in England, a faction is defined here as a number of citizens united and motivated by common interests contrary to the rights of other citizens or the interests of the community. It is argued that there are only two methods of remedying the harmful effects of factions: by removing their causes or by controlling their effects. The intention of the proposed system of checks and balances is to address the selfish interests of the latter. The power of any one person or branch would be limited by the other branches, preventing any person, branch, or faction from gaining excessive power and leverage for their own interests rather than the collective interests of the people. The powers of government are discussed in detail in numerous articles on both sides. The Anti-Federation...... middle of paper...... and advance their own agendas regardless of the opinions of the masses. Like the previous argument, this one can be countered with Federalist No. 51. "If men were angels, no government would be necessary." Government is a creation of the people and the only power comes from the masses. Without the faith of the people, the government and the union could fall into ruin. The system of checks and balances allows the government to regulate itself against encroachment and the creation of such factions described in Federal Farmer 3. Although each branch is responsible to each other, if a faction is created within the government with bad intentions, she will be held accountable to the people. If those who act against the will of the masses are not removed from office, the government will have to answer to the people, its main source of power. Ambition will thwart ambition.