What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of?
After reading The Federalist Papers excerpts and coming across the term “faction”, I immediately thought of when we were learning about the different political ideologies in class.
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 ….”
After reading Federalist #10, source of wealth was dependent on what level men were at in terms of if they owned property or not, and the value. I interpret faculties as referring to the factors determined in one’s right to own property. Madison argued, “…the possession of different degrees and kinds of property immediately results; and from the influence of these on the sentiments and views of the respective proprietors, ensues a division of the society into different interests and parties… ” This shows why men with aligning values allowed property and the right to vote and others remained poor.
Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty?
No, if I am interpreting correctly, I do not agree that wealth should only be distributed to people who are aligned with the views of current society at all times. I believe that wealth should not be hoarded by individuals and be distributed through communities reducing 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.
In simple terms, the core mission of the US government during this time was to protect men’s differences (mainly in owning property). Based on Federalist #10, it does not surprise me that the priority was to show they were protecting the working class, since they feared democracy. This is similar to what our government’s current mission seems to suggest; “To protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and democratic values and shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive”, which is to “protect” and maintain peace for Americans.
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…
After reading Federalist #10 and answering the questions above, I am not surprised that the author is not in support of a pure democracy. In my opinion, I think the author was in favor of a more representative government because it allowed the capitalist class to remain unnoticed to the public eye and they would be able to continue to exploit the working class without fear of increased factions causing revolts.
