The main topic of discussion in Federalist Paper number 58 is the apportionment of the representatives for each state.

He points out the ridiculous, illogical, and passionate claims of both the complaining larger and smaller states.

Madison also mentions that the more representatives they have, the less information and insight each one will have; essentially, as the number increases, the quality of each individual will predictably decrease.

He says that if there are more representatives, they will be likely to be easily persuaded by a cunning speaker; the weak-mindedness of the majority cannot withstand the shrewdness of the minority.

Madison says that this method of voting is not only inefficient, because no laws would ever be passed, but that the government would be more oligarchic rather than democratic (rule of elite or minority rather than majority).