Federalist Papers, The by James Madison (1751 - 1836), Alexander Hamilton (1755/1757 - 1804) et al. Federalist No. 10 by James Madison
Jan 1, 1970
James Madison, the Fourth President of the United States and a principal architect of the Constitution, delves into the complexities of faction in governance. He explores how different interests can lead to conflict and the importance of a strong union to manage these challenges. Madison critiques pure democracies, arguing for the benefits of a republic in representing diverse viewpoints. He also emphasizes that a large republic can mitigate factionalism, preventing majoritarian oppression while ensuring individual rights and promoting the common good.
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Defining Factions
- Factions are groups of citizens, majority or minority, united by a common interest.
- These interests are adverse to other citizens' rights or the community's overall interests.
Addressing Factions
- Removing the causes of faction involves eliminating liberty or enforcing uniformity of opinions and interests.
- Destroying liberty is a worse solution than the problem itself.
Diversity and Factions
- Differences in opinions and passions arise from human reason and self-love, making uniformity impossible.
- Protecting diverse faculties, including property rights, leads to varied interests and societal divisions.