4. Madison, in _The Federalist_, states the whole case: A republic is a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure, for a limited period, or during good behavior. It is essential to such a government that it be derived from the great body of the society, not from an inconsiderable proportion, or a favored class; otherwise a handful of tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by a delegation of their powers, might aspire to the rank of republicans, and claim for their government the honorable title of republic. It is sufficient for such a government that the persons administering it be appointed, either directly or indirectly, by the people, and that they held their appointments by either of the tenures just specified; otherwise every government in the United States, as well as every other popular government that has been or can be well organized or well executed, would be degraded from the republican character.[4] 5. The supreme law of the land represents the will of the people of the United States for purposes of government. The authority of that law is derived wholly from the people. They may change or amend it at any time. They prescribe the procedure for such change or amendment.[5] Through this supreme law the entire public business is carried on. The constitution of Massachusetts sets forth the essential fact: All power residing originally in the people, and being derived from them, the several magistrates and officers of government, vested with authority, whether legislative, executive, or judicial, are their substitutes and agents, and are at all times accountable to them.[6] The distinction between original and derivative powers made by the constitution of Massachusetts is true of the supreme law of the United States.