Federalist 10 & 51

Which branch of government is the strongest? Why? What steps were taken to prevent it from becoming too strong?

In our republican form of government, the legislative branch tends to dominate and be the strongest of the branches. Legislative has the most powers so it basically overpowers the other branches of government and 'makes' the law. To prevent it from becoming too strong, they divided the legislature into two houses sorted by modes of election and principles of action so that they would be as little connected as possible.

What is the thesis of Federalist 51?

" TO WHAT expedient, then, shall we finally resort, for maintaining in practice the necessary partition of power among the several departments, as laid down in the Constitution?... I will hazard a few general observations, which may perhaps place it in a clearer light, and enable us to form a more correct judgment of the principles and structure of the government planned by the convention."

How does federalism control factions?

All of the different governments (states/local/federal/ect) work to control the large groups of factions. Instead of having one big government to control the people, we have several small ones, all which impact the people on different levels as they gain interest in government policies. This allows for small groups of people over time to grow dedicated and involved in political situations.

Does Madison have an optimistic or pessimistic view of human nature? How did this viewpoint impact the drafting of the Constitution?

I believe that Madison has a pessimistic view about human nature. He explains that factions can not be reduced since you cannot discourage someone from thinking. He also believes that humans believe in their own self-interest instead of the well being of others. I think this shaped the whole separation of powers so no one government could have any legitimate power over the other, so no one is controlled by one other person.

What portions of Madison's argument are the most persuasive? What is the last persuasive?

I think the most persuasive portion of his article is his point to explain the causes of factions and how the only part of them that can be controlled is how they affect their surroundings. The least persuasive points to me come from where he gets personal talking about the entire idea, like when he states that "Complaints are everywhere heard from our most considerate and virtuous citizens, equally the friends of public and private faith, and of public and personal liberty, that our governments are too unstable, that the public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties...". It sounds sarcastic about the people who do complain about these sort of things as if they aren't really problems

Was Madison right, or have factions sometimes gained control of our government?

I think they have, large groups of individuals who feel a certain way about the government's choices and policies always make themselves heard and try to get coverage for their concerns to help improve the government in any way they can. If there's enough support it definitely helps shape who's our leader; as majority wins the vote for the presidency.

Why are factions more easily controlled in large republics?

Large "majorities" of people are easier controlled due to the idea that "sinister views" can be regulated, as the candidates for voting and the voters are broader.

Why are large republics more capable of self-government?

Large republics are more capable of self-government because with a large group of people also comes an increased amount of opposing groups, which allows for less of a change for one group to take over. In a small republic, there would be less opposing groups and allows more room for a single group to take over the republic.

How does Madison define "faction?" What are some examples of factions today?

Madison defines a faction as a number of citizens, whether it's a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by common passions or interests, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community. Different parties, like Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Conservatives are examples of factions in today's world.

What issues divided mankind in 1787? Are those issues similar to the causes of divisions today?

Many differences divided America in 1787. There was differentiating opinions concerning religion, government, and speculation. Difference in passions and how leaders rule and come to power. All of these differences forces mankind into parties. There are definitely similar differences from present day back to 1787. There is still differences and conflicts about religion, and the biggest same difference would be the differentiating opinions about government. Everyone has a picture of what the "perfect" government would be. Some believe in big governments, while others believe in small governments.

Give three examples of how the Constitution protects the proper balance of power?

Powers are divided between state and federal governments, separation of powers with the three branches, and checks and balances are three examples of how the Constitution protects the proper balance of power.

What are the two ways of eliminating the causes of factions? Why are both undesirable?

The first one is by destroying the liberty which is an essential, the other is by giving every citizen the same opinions, passions, and the same interests. The first option is undesirable because "liberty is to faction what air is to fire." An essential part of political lie is liberty, and abolishing it would be to take away an essential. The second option, giving everyone the same opinions is "as impractical as the first would be unwise." As man reason, different opinions are going to be formed.

What are the two remedies for controlling the effects of factions?

The first remedy is preventing people have the same passions or interest in a majority group. The second remedy would be that the majority must be lessened in their numbers and local situation.

What are two methods of curing the mischiefs caused by factions?

The first way is removing its causes, and the second it by controlling its effects.

According to Madison, what is the primary cause of conflict?

The primary source of conflict is the unequal and unfair faculties of acquiring property. Potentially, it is the unequal distribution of property, which is also money.

How are the rights of the minority protected?

The rights of the minority are protected because there are so many different interest groups dealing with different needs that that will not be a specific majority group to overshadow the minority.

What is meant by "if men were angels, no government would be necessary?"

There wouldn't be any need for government if all people behaved perfectly every second of the day. Government is essential for the need to govern the people. The main point they're making is that we have a government system because men are evil in nature and we are very much in need of one.