Fed No. 10
How is a republic different from a democracy?
Republic: a small number of people are elected to represent a larger number of people. Democracy: it is every vote for themself.
What is a faction? Give an example.
A "number of citizens," whether the majority or minority, who are united on common interest. Example would be a political party.
Which is better to control the effects of faction: a small republic or a large republic?
A large republic provides a bigger pool of candidates to select appropriate leadership. When many people can vote, it is less likely a poor leader.
How might a republic help control the effects of faction?
Because a republic to expand the territory of people that are represented, a majority faction is less likely to develop. The leadership is better able to address the needs of both majority and minority groups.
What needs a "proper cure"?
Factions... "to break and control the violence of faction."
Why will a large republic help control the effects of majority faction?
Having national representatives and a large population of different opinions and interests makes it difficult and unlikely that a majority faction will form.
Why isn't Madison concerned that in the large republic the representative will either be disconnected from the people he represents or too closely aligned with the people he represents?
He is not concerned because the representative of the nation as a whole will focus on the big picture whereas state and local representatives will address state/local issues.
What is the danger of the majority faction?
It takes away the rights of the minority groups.
How can the causes of faction be removed?
One is to eliminate liberty or grant everyone "liberty."
Why is a large republic likely to have better representatives?
Since there is a large population of voters with diverse opinions and interests, the representative appointed can be unsure since the population has split opinions. Meaning we are unaware, typically, of which candidate will win because the difference in opinion is almost split in half.
Why can't the causes of liberty be removed?
The first cause of completely removing liberty will result in the loss of factions. People have different interests and different methods of supporting their interests - this causes competition in political parties which is honestly necessary for making improvements for a large republic.
What are the government's limitations with regards to regulating the causes of faction?
The government cannot make laws that prefer one faction over the other. They also can regulate personal opinion.
Why aren't the improvements made by American constitutions enough? What complaints do citizens still have?
The improvements made by the American Constitution is not enough because it still does not accommodate for minority interest. The continuous complaints revolve around the idea that the majority faction dictate rules for their needs and fail to address the differing needs of minority groups.
How can minority factions be contained?
The majority will always prevent the minority from advancing through a vote.
What is the most enduring source of faction?
The most enduring source of faction is the difference in opinion. Whether political or personal, individuals align themselves so strongly with people who meet their opinions that discrimination against people who differ is the result.
Why can't a pure democracy control the effects of faction?
There is no way each government can accommodate the needs of all people. There will always be a difference in interest, even if it is by one outlier.
What is Madison's goal in writing this essay?
To convince anti-federalists the undecided majority that the goal of a federalist government accommodates all people - minority and majority groups.
What is the government's role?
To take the differing opinions of factions to benefit the citizens as a whole.