The Dangers of Faction

Factions pose a significant threat to the stability of popular governments, as they can disrupt public order and undermine justice. By definition, a faction is a group of citizens united by a common interest that can be contrary to the rights of others or the collective interests of society. The unequal distribution of property has been identified as a primary source of factionalism, creating distinct interests among different socioeconomic classes. Madison highlights that both the presence of factions and the conflicts they breed are historical afflictions of democratic systems, which must be effectively addressed to maintain the integrity of governance.