Which Federalist paper explains that separate branches need not be entirely isolated?

• A. Federalist 47
• B. Federalist 51
• C. Brutus 3
• D. Federalist 39

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that separating powers into different branches is essential, but these branches don’t have to be and shouldn’t be completely isolated from one another. In Federalist No. 47, Madison explains that while the legislative, executive, and judiciary should be distinct, they must also be connected in ways that allow checks and balances. He argues that complete separation would be dangerous and ineffective, so the branches should be “so far connected and blended as to give each a constitutional control over the others.” This interconnection is what prevents any one branch from gaining unchecked power.

That makes Federalist No. 47 the best fit for the statement. The other papers cover related ideas—No. 51 discusses checks and balances and ambition countering ambition, Brutus 3 argues against strong central government, and No. 39 discusses the federal character—but they don’t specifically articulate the point about branches needing to be not completely isolated in the same way No. 47 does.