Federalist Paper no.

10, James Madison

1. What is the main issue presented by Madison? Why is this essential to preserve liberty?
The main issue presented by Madison is the risk of factions becoming powerful and the precautions that can be taken to
reduce or eliminate the causes of factions. This is essential to preserving liberty because factions tend to ignore the needs of
society and place their own needs higher than societies.

2. What are factions? Give a modern day example.

In Federalist paper 10, it was said that a faction is a group of individuals that share the same political and/or religious
beliefs. A modern-day example of a faction could be the National Rifle Association (NRA), a group that aims the preserve the
rights granted by the second amendment.

3. Why do we need to control factions? What type of government is recommended to control

factions? Why? Be specific.
Factions need to be controlled because it puts their own need before that of the national interest. The type of government
that is essential to control is a republic. A large republic allows the citizens of a nation to choose from a large number of
qualified individuals to represent them. Madison stated, "The question resulting is, whether small or extensive republics are more
favorable to the election of proper guardians of the public weal; and it is clearly decided in favor of the latter by two obvious
considerations."

4. Explain the following quote:

“…to refine and enlarge the publics views, by passing them through the medium of a
chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interests of their country…”
Madison is pro-elite democracy because he believes the opinions of the public must be passed through an elected body of
representatives that will make the best choice for the population.

5. In your opinion, why was Madison’s argument convincing to the public?

Madison's argument puts the idea that factions could potentially lead to a society that is ruled by individuals that do not
care about the needs of the people and will only do what benefits the faction's interests. This may be a reminder of the British
who ruled over them in the past.
 Federalist Paper no. 51, James Madison

1. James Madison wrote:

“We see it particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power, where the
constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be
a check on the other.”

What constitutional means is Madison referring to? Why was this included in the constitution?
Madison is referring to the separation of powers amongst the three branches of government. This was included in the
constitution to keep the power distributed equally amongst the branches to make sure that no one branch can become
more powerful than the others, in particular, the president in the executive branch.

2. Explain the nature and meaning of the following quote:

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern
men neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

Madison is stating if men were all good and acted virtuously, a government and its laws would not be needed and on the
other hand, if all men who were appointed to office acted virtuously, laws would not be needed to have a functioning
government.

3. What is federalism? According to Madison, why is federalism necessary? What does it

provide for the people?
Federalism is a form of government where the nation is controlled at both the national level and smaller areas at the state level.
Madison believed federalism was necessary was necessary because it divided the power that the people surrendered into two
branches of government that will, in-turn, allow them to govern themselves at the state level.

4. In your opinion, why was Madison’s argument in Federalist Paper 51 convincing to the
public?
The argument was convincing to the public because it stated the rights of the minority would not be unnoticed and the
voice of the majority will not be the ruling voice of the people. It also promised that the power of government would be
separated amongst multiple powers of government as to avoid one particular area of the government to overpower the others.