1. What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of? In “Federalist #10” by James Madison, the text argues that by “faction,” he means a group of citizens who come together based on a shared interest or passion, which may be in conflict with the interests of others or the overall well-being of the community. A concept that reminds me of this is the democratic and republican parties during the early years of America. They represented distinct factions with differing views on the role of government and other issues. As stated in the reading, “It may be concluded that a pure democracy…can adopt of no cure for the mischiefs of faction” and “A republic, by which I mean a government…opens a different prospect, and promises the cure for which we are seeking.”
  2. According to Federalist #10 (written by James Madison), what is the source of wealth (private property)? What factor explains why some people get to possess wealth by owning private property, and others don’t (thus remaining poor)? This is a key question, because it shows how the authors of the Constitution thought about the difference between different classes of Americans! HINT: focus on the passage that begins: “The diversity in the faculties (WHAT DOES FACULTIES mean or refer to?) of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not les….” According to “Federalist #10”, James Madison states, “The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to a uniformity of interests.” Madison acknowledged that individuals naturally form factions based on different interest or concerns, but he did not identify one class to be wealthy. Instead he identifies an unequal distribution of property due to a division in society in interests and parties, leading to some citizens remaining poor. Madison then states, “The inference to which we are brought is that the causes of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects.” and suggesting the republican party to be the cure for the “mischiefs of faction”.
  3. Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty? From my perspective, I disagree with the statement as it diverts attention from what makes the system unequal. It provides an excuse to inequalities, suggesting that due to solely our differences in talents, skills, or capabilities, some individuals are not entitled to the same opportunities as others. However, the reality is that we may possess similar qualifications or skills to others, yet the color of our skin can overshadow our abilities and qualifications.
  4. What is the core mission (“first object”) of the US government? Does this surprise you, does it sound different from what our society today seems to suggest the core mission of the government is? Explain. The US government’s primary mission is to protect the interests of the propertied class and maintain the existing class structure. Its focus is on safeguarding the accumulation of wealth, rather than ensuring the welfare of the majority. This does not surprise me, Americas concern has always been the protection of the wealthy and their influence.
  5. Given the discussion in questions 1-4, are you surprised that Federalist #10 is not in favor of democracy, and supports a Republican (representative) form of government? Why would d the author dislike a (pure) democratic form of government? Hint: think about how this question connects with the social classes… In “Federalist #10”, Madison believed democracy could cause turbulence and lead to the propertyless majority rising against the propertied class, which could upset the existing social order. It is not surprising as the reader to know he was in favor of the republican class.

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