Overview
The Federalist Papers No. 10, written by James Madison, discusses the dangers of faction in popular governments and explains how a large republic offers the best safeguard against their negative effects.
The Problem of Faction
- Faction is a group of citizens united by a passion or interest contrary to others' rights or the community's good.
- Factions are a threat to popular governments, causing instability, injustice, and disregard for minority rights.
- The causes of faction are rooted in human nature and the unequal distribution of property.
Curing the Mischiefs of Faction
- Two ways to remove faction: destroy liberty (not acceptable) or force everyone to have the same opinions (impossible).
- The only realistic option is controlling the effects of factions, not eliminating their causes.
- Minority factions can be checked by majority rule, but majority factions can oppress minorities.
Pure Democracy vs. Republic
- Pure democracy: small societies where all citizens govern directly; cannot control majority factions.
- Republic: citizens elect representatives, refining public views and guarding against majority oppression.
- A republic works over a larger area and population, making it harder for majority factions to unite and oppress.
Advantages of a Large Republic
- More citizens and interests mean it's less likely a majority will act against the minority's rights.
- Greater variety of parties and interests makes it harder for any one group to dominate.
- The federal system divides power, balancing national and local interests effectively.
- Representation filters public opinion through elected officials, promoting justice and the public good.
Security Through Union
- The Union (large republic) prevents any one faction from overwhelming the whole.
- Diverse interests and sects make it difficult for unjust policies to gain widespread support.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Faction — A group of citizens driven by common interests or passions adverse to others' rights or the public good.
- Republic — Government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
- Pure Democracy — System where all citizens directly participate in government without representatives.
- Federalism — Division of powers between national and state governments.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review definitions of democracy, republic, faction, and federalism.
- Reflect on how Madison’s arguments apply to modern government structures.