1.What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of?
*Divisions between groups are caused by factions, which is related to the idea of labor and industry development. Factions classify individuals, particularly with regard to the division of labor-based wealth.
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 less ….”
*According to Federalist #10, those who are poor have less access to wealth (private property) since it is retained in the hands of the already wealthy. In order to survive, the working class must sell manual labor, which creates a vicious cycle, as James Madison explains. The working class is motivated to work harder by liberty, diversity among individuals makes numbers stronger, and faculties are used to keep groups apart so they can’t challenge the wealthy—an ongoing obstacle.
3.Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty?
*Although the reading provides a clear explanation of wealth and poverty, I only partially agree with it. It doesn’t accurately represent how someone who isn’t familiar with wealth and poverty would be described.
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.
*Preventing violent faction conflicts and maintaining social stability are the main goals of the U.S. government. It protects social classes from one another and manages power between them. In contrast to the early government, which was completely exclusive, division is harmful and is frequently concealed by the government’s efforts to cover up exclusion today.
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…
*The opposition to democracy in Federalist #10 is not surprising. According to the document, the goal should be to control the effects of factions rather than trying to eliminate their causes. The issue is not resolved by taking away rights, and chaos results from letting factions turn into a riot.
