Is madison's opinion of the role of self-interest in the conduct of one's life realistic? why or why not?

Answer

YES  it is realistic

This is because there's a reason why we need to be governed ourselves because we abuse power because of self interest

Explanation

James Madison  is the one who wrote the  first drafts of the constitution of the United States. He co-wrote the Federalist Papers and sponsored the bill of Rights. He played a very importance role in contributing to the overall creation of the constitution. And by this he was considered as the Father of Constitution.

James Madison was of the opinion that that in a small society the people can be "perfectly equalized, and assimilated in their possessions, their opinions, and their passions. He was very much against the abuse of power because of individuals interest.