- What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of?
- 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….”
- Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty?
- 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.
- 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…
4 thoughts on “Discussion Board 6.2”
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Melissa Boatswain
POL -100
The concept of “faction,” as discussed in Federalist Paper #10 by James Madison, reminds me of
the idea of interest groups or partisan divisions that can emerge in society. Factions are groups of
individuals who share common interests or passions that may conflict with the rights of others or
the broader community. Madison identifies the source of wealth as private property, which he
argues originates from the diverse abilities and talents, or faculties, of individuals. These
faculties refer to the varying skills, intellect, and capacities that people possess, allowing them to
acquire and manage property effectively. This diversity creates disparities in wealth; those with
advantageous faculties can accumulate property and wealth, while others may not have the same
opportunities or resources, leading to persistent poverty. I find this explanation of wealth and
poverty compelling, as it highlights how individual capabilities and circumstances contribute to
socioeconomic inequality.
The core mission of the U.S. government, as inferred from Madison’s writings, is the protection
of property rights, which serves as the foundation for stability and order within society. This
perspective is somewhat surprising because contemporary views often emphasize the
government’s role in promoting equality and welfare for all citizens, suggesting a more
collective responsibility than simply safeguarding private property. Given these discussions, it is
not surprising that Madison and the authors of the Constitution did not favor a direct democracy
but instead supported a republican form of government. Their dislike for pure democracy stems
from a fear that the majority, particularly the lower classes, could use their collective power to
infringe upon the rights and properties of the minority elite. They believed that a republic, with
its system of representation, would better manage the influence of factions and protect the
interests of property owners, thus maintaining social order and stability.
1. In federalist paper #10 it’s discusses the term “faction” and this reminds me of the American society structure(social class).
2.According to James Madison, the source of wealth comes from the term “faculties of men”.Madison believe that you’re borned with the wealth and if you are not borned from wealth you’re mentally and intellectually inferior meaning that those majorities meaning men with no property ,slaves,and servants have a low “faculties of men” and they don’t have the mental capacity to become wealthy . The diversity of property originates from the beliefs that diversity leads to an unequal distribution of property because some people lack skills(faculties of men) and opportunities .
3.Honestly I’m a stressed sideliner about these beliefs because yes being borned from wealth gives you more opportunities and “skill” but also in my opinion in this generation this doesn’t mean you’re intellectually inferior to somebody in a higher class status than yours .However, From The racist perspective in the century that the federalist #10 was written. It’s understandable to believe that people with low social status are mentally inferior .In the 18th century the Aristocracy (higher class status ) believed that you had to use your opportunities to your advantage like owning slaves to make you wealthy .
4.According to James Madison, The US core mission is maintaining social class order and protecting property because the higher class were scared that the majority meaning lower income people with less “faculties of men” break the rights of the elites and become equal to the minority meaning that James Madison beliefs would be wrong and justify that poor people are not “intellectually inferior” The constitution was afraid of equality between races.
5.The federalist #10 is not in favor of democracy because the constitution was afraid that the majority would use their power and affect the property protection of the minorities elites.Meaning, that the constitution referred a republican form of government because it provides property protection for the elites and keeps the low social class people at the bottom of the tank to make elites richer .
3.In modern day I don’t agree with the explanation of wealth and poverty because the way that is measured is completely outdated. In our current society, wealth is simply measured by just how much income you can generate, and you’re income isn’t just based on just a one thing only, since you can make income from technology, companies, finance, etc, and wealth and poverty don’t have anything to do with the race you are, simply the social class you are born in. Even then although it is outdated since back in the 18th and 19th century the perspectives of this were completely different due to the time period they were in.
1. Concept that “faction” reminds you of:
“Faction” reminds me of social class or interest groups, which are formed by individuals with shared interests or economic statuses.
2. Source of wealth (private property) and explanation for disparities:
According to Federalist #10, the source of wealth is private property, and the diversity in the faculties of men (which refers to their inherent abilities, talents, and skills) explains why some people possess wealth while others do not. This diversity leads to different capabilities and opportunities in acquiring and maintaining property, resulting in class differences.
3. Agreement with this explanation of wealth and poverty:
Personal agreement may vary; some may find Madison’s explanation insightful as it acknowledges individual differences in ability and ambition. Others might argue that systemic factors also significantly contribute to wealth inequality.
4. Core mission (“first object”) of the US government:
The core mission of the US government is to protect the rights of property and maintain order. This might surprise some because today, the government is often seen as focusing on broader social issues or economic equality.
5. Support for Republican government vs. democracy:
Yes, it is surprising that Federalist #10 favors a Republican form of government over pure democracy. Madison feared that a pure democracy could lead to the tyranny of the majority, where the interests of the wealthy (or minority groups) could be overlooked or oppressed. He believed a representative government would better balance diverse interests and protect property rights, reflecting concerns about social classes and potential conflict among them.