- What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of?
The concept of “faction” in Federalist Paper No. 10 reminds me the Marxism Capitalist. Both say that social divisions come from competing interests, mostly economic ones. Both also acknowledge that these conflicts can lead to fight for power, with factions or classes fighting for their own interests at the expense of others. Lastly, both they show how economic interests shape political dynamics and contribute to social differences.
- 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 FACULTIESmean or refer to?) of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not les….”
In Federalist Paper No. 10, Madison identifies the source of wealth is the right to own property. He explains that the rights to property comes from the diversity in the faculties of men, meaning that individuals possess different abilities, talents, and skills that allow them to acquire and manage property in different ways. This is also the factor that explains why some people possess wealth by owning private property. The rich have access for education, resources, and rights that protects their interests. while the poor don’t, which makes the rich more likely to succeed in gaining wealth, while the poor may find it more challenging, resulting in unequal distributions of wealth.
- Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty?
I agree that individual differences in talents and skills can influence economic success. With that said, this simplifies wealth and poverty by ignoring factors like inequalities, discrimination, family background and luck.
- 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 ( “first object”) of the U.S. government, as mentioned in Federalist Paper No. 10, is the protection of property rights and the protection of different faculties that allow individuals to gain and manage property. It doesn’t surprise me because of the American capitalist ideology, but I believe that today the government should focus on addressing social issues and reducing inequality.
- 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…
Yes, it is surprising that Federalist Paper No. 10 favors a republican (representative) form of government over democracy. Madison’s thinks that in democracy the majority faction could force its ideology on minority groups, ignoring their rights and interests. Madison argues that a republican system, with elected representatives, can control better by ensuring that a broader range of interests is considered. This approach, according to Madison, is more cautious in a diverse society.
