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.

1. What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of? 

To me, “faction” reminds me of the civil rights movement that we discussed in Module 2. The minority of black and brown citizens united for the interest of the community to fight segregation and the criminalization of colored people.  

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, the source of wealth (private property) is made possible and depends on the faculties of intelligent men. Some people possess wealth because they are superior in intelligence and are smart enough to own property. If you are poor, it’s because you aren’t smart enough to get out of the poverty you were born into. 

3. Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty? 

No, I do not agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty. I don’t think intelligence equals wealth, because there are plenty of intelligent people who live in poverty because they aren’t given the opportunities to better themselves. They must work harder to become more qualified than those who are just given the opportunity because of nepotism.  

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 core mission of the US government is to protect the wealth of the upper class, and to enforce the separation of the social classes, the intelligent wealthy and the unintelligent people in poverty. No, this does not surprise me because our government sort of works the same way. They give tax breaks and support the upper wealthy class, while the working class must continuously fight for rights. 

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 the author dislike a (pure) democratic form of government? Hint: think about how this question connects with the social classes… 

No, I am not surprised that Federalist #10 is not in favor of democracy because it was created by someone who was a part of the upper wealthy social class. The wealthy used the government to benefit themselves, not the working or lower classes. If a democracy were formed, the government would be more likely to support the working class over the wealthy.  

Faction reminds me Of the different class and the parties the capitalist belong to like democrats, republican etc. 

According to Federalist #10 the source of wealth is the “various and unequal distribution of property.” The factor that explains why some people get to possess wealth by owning private property, and others don’t 

I disagree with the explanation of wealth and poverty because it is not discussing the actualities only the classes such as advantages “ republican have over democracy” and not addressing the discrimation that actually causes it. 

The core mission/ first object of the United States government is “ the protection of these facualities “ “ the protection of different and unequal facilities of acquiring property” this does not surprise me or sound too different because the wealthy will always have more advange over the lower class they will do what they can to make sure the “ unequal” remains “ unequal”

I was surprised that the federalist 10 argues against pure demography. The concerns were threats to the interests of upperclass, and that a republican form of government would “ better protect against the dangers of faction and tyranny “ which went along with the upperclass and them wanting to keep their power and privilege for as long as they can. 

1. The concept that “faction” reminds me of is the idea of class interests and divisions. In the document, it is mentioned that the framers of the Constitution were concerned about the “turbulence and follies of democracy” and the threat of the “propertyless majority.”

2. According to Federalist #10, the source of wealth (private property) is the “various and unequal distribution of property [that is, wealth].” ​ The factor that explains why some people get to possess wealth by owning private property, and others don’t (thus remaining poor), is the unequal distribution of property. ​ Those who hold property and those who are without property have distinct interests in society.

3. No, I disagree with the explanation of wealth and poverty as presented in Federalist #10. While the text points to “the diversity in the faculties of men” as a reason for differences in property ownership, this perspective overlooks many societal and structural factors. Simply attributing wealth accumulation to individual abilities and efforts fails to account for systemic inequalities, such as access to education, discrimination, and historical advantages or disadvantages that significantly influence economic outcomes.

4. The core mission or “first object” of the US government, according to the reading, is “the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property.” The government is there to ensure that those who can accumulate wealth are not hindered by those who may become impoverished in the process. ​ This mission is aimed at safeguarding the interests of the propertied class and maintaining the existing class structure.

It was surprising to learn that the government’s role was primarily to protect the interests of a wealthy minority rather than the majority. However, this perspective shifts when considering Abraham Lincoln’s famous assertion that the government should be “of the people, for the people, by the people,” highlighting a move towards a more inclusive approach to governance.

5. Yes, I was surprised to learn that Federalist #10 argues against a pure democracy in favor of a republican form of government. This preference is rooted deeply in the framers’ concerns over protecting the interests of the wealthy few from the majority. The framers, being affluent and influential themselves, were wary of democracy—considering it “the worst of all political evils.” They feared that democracy could lead to the “turbulence and follies” seen as inherent to it, essentially allowing the propertyless majority to potentially rise against the propertied class and upset the existing social order.

1. What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of?
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….”
3. Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty?
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.
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…