History 1301

Student’s Name

Professor’s Name

History 1301

4th March 2019

Federalist Question and Answer

Why, according to Madison are factions dangerous?

Factions tend to bring out divisions in almost all populations. Instability, injustice and confusion are what propel these vicious groups in the public arena, as Madison illustrates citizens interest are divisive, in nature and when ideas are introduced on how to resolve pressing issues, public opinion is categorized into majority and minority. Public administration came up with a strategy of determining the cause of action by declaring the majority as winners. Hence in there always those who feel left out, the solutions offered are not all-inclusive bring about unsteadiness and increased alarm for private rights. It has also lead to unequal distribution of wealth and resources all over nations due to selfish and opportunistic leadership.

What, according to Madison, are the two possible methods for responding to the evils of factions

By eliminating the causes of wings and taking charge of its effects.

Which method for dealing with factions did Madison prefer? WHY?

He preferred controlling their side effects, guided by the republican principle (which guard’s against the tyranny of both majority and minority cabals) it would ensure that factions would not be able to execute and disguise their violence under the forms of the constitution.

According to Madison, what difference does the size of a political unit make in the development of factions and their influence?

Even in a large republic, the number of representatives must be restricted to guard against the confusion of profusion and however small a democracy is the number must be raised to a certain threshold to defend against the actions of a few. And as such candidates will be voted in by a more significant congression of people, it makes it more challenging for unworthy candidates to successfully carry out their uncouth acts hence leaders with merit and the most deserving will be chosen.

What, according to Madison are the advantages of a physically large nation?

Large countries are more likely to have a significant variance of parties and motives, which decreases the probability that a majority of the total would unity for similar motives. It is more difficult for those willing to come together in strength of numbers and enact changes with each other help hence there fewer chances of influence and self-identity among the population.

On the basis of your reading, would you describe Madison as an avid Democrat or an earnest republican?

He is an earnest republican; he quotes himself as a member of the Republican Party, he further outlines that his proud of the principles embedded in the declaration of his party. Madison also recommends a republic remedy about the factions menace over the democratic rule which seems to impose on divisive measures and his opinion that it does little to curb the causes of factions.

What is a faction? Provide a modern example of a faction.

It is a section of citizens in a given nation whether the majority or minority united by similar motives, disadvantageous to the rights of other citizens or to the eternal and mass concerns of society. An example is lobbyist groups advocating for different initiatives cutting across the sectors to influence government decisions.

According to Madison, what is ‘the most common and durable’ cause of a faction?

Is deeply integrated in the nature of beings .For men have differing opinions in almost all aspects of their lives and seek to express and exercise leadership over such. Different leaders may contend for power and fortune at the expense of citizens hence dividing humanity into parties and inflaming them with correlative animosity.

Work Cited

Morgan, Edmund S. "Safety in Numbers: Madison, Hume, and the Tenth Federalist." James Madison. Routledge, 2017. 139-156.