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

The concept of ‘faction’ reminds me of the social class conflict, which was also discussed in readings 6.1 an 6.2. Social class conflict is the struggle between different economic groups in society, specifically the elite and the working class. In both readings, the authors discuss how the elites were concerned about power struggles between different economic groups. And in reading 6.3, the author discusses how factions are groups of people who share a common interest or goal that conflicts with the overall good of society. This illustrates the fear of the elites towards the lower class who could unite to threaten their property and 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 les….”

Madison explains that the source of wealth is level skill, ambition, and capability and these factors determine someone’s ability to acquire wealth. His reasoning that those who are intelligent will acquire wealth and those who lack it will remain poor.

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

I don’t agree with James Madison’s expiation of wealth and poverty. One’s intelligence, level of skill, ambition, or capability is not an indicator that someone has or will get access to wealth. There are many people who are intelligent and don’t have easy access to gain wealth. Majority of wealth in America is either from privilege, inherited, systemic barriers and injustices. America government was set up to insure that white men maintain power while other groups struggle to even reach that level of power in America. With slavery, racial discrimination, lack of access to education, etc.

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 (‘first object’) of the US government means that the government main goal is to protect private property and wealth. I’m not surprised by this at all. Although the government tries to promote fairness, democracy, and public welfare, this isn’t really the reality of our country. As much as we hope for equality and justice, we can’t really expect it from a government that was built to protect the interest and power of wealthy elites.

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…

I am honestly not surprised that the Federalist #10 is not in the favor of democracy and supports a Republican form of government. Madison dislikes a democracy because he is concerned that it would leave to tyranny of the majority. Not only that, but he fears that democrat would also cause majority to vote in favor of redistributing wealth or testing policies which would disrupt social order.