Context: Part of a series known as "The Federalist Papers," written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay under the pseudonym Publius to defend the U.S. Constitution.
Main Argument: Addressing the issue of factions and how a large republic can mitigate their effects.
The Problem of Factions
Definition of Faction: A group of citizens, either a majority or minority, driven by interests contrary to the rights of others or the common good.
Two Methods to Address Factions:
Removing its causes: Impractical as it would require eliminating liberty or making all citizens identical.
Controlling its effects: More feasible, maintaining liberty while preventing tyranny.
Causes and Types of Factions
Root Causes: Varied human faculties and property, leading to different interests.
Types of Factions:
Property owners vs. non-owners
Creditors vs. debtors
Various economic interests (landed, manufacturing, mercantile).
Challenge: Legislation often favors the majority faction, leading to injustice.
Republic vs. Democracy
Pure Democracy:
Small societies with direct citizen involvement.
Prone to turbulence and short-lived.
Republic:
Uses representation, refining public views through elected officials.
More stable and less susceptible to majority tyranny.
Advantages of a Large Republic
Diverse Interests: Greater number of interests makes it harder for a majority to form and oppress minorities.
Representation: Larger pool of candidates leads to better representatives.
Control Over Factions: Greater variety of parties and interests reduces likelihood of majority oppression.
Conclusion
Main Goal: Preserve public good and private rights.
Solution: Control the effects of factions, not their causes, through a large and diverse republic.
Federal Structure: Promotes stability by balancing national and local interests.
Final Thought: Urges support for federalism to maintain a stable republic and prevent factionalism.