Federalist 10 and 51

Federalist 10

Questions

What factional disputes did the Articles of Confederation struggle with?

Did Madison foresee a two party system?

How should the ratio of representatives be balanced?

Can there be too many factions?

Should property be redistributed to make land ownership more equal?

Quotes

"Among the numerous advantages promised by a well constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction."

I picked this quote because it lays out the main point of the whole paper, to control and break the violence of faction.

"The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished."

I picked this quote because this shows that Madison believes that factions have been the downfall of many nations.

"But the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property."

I picked this quote because it shows what Madison believes is the biggest problem that fuels factions.

"By enlarging too much the number of electors, you render the representatives too little acquainted with all their local circumstances and lesser interests."

I picked this quote because the electors cannot get to invested in only there areas desires, but must look for the needs of the whole country.

"The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States."

I picked this quote because it shows how a republic can protect the country against individual state needs. This is important so the whole country doesn't move in the wrong direction because of a small area in the country.

Federalist 51

Questions

Does Madison see any new branches of government forming in the future?

Does Madison see any changes in the balance of power in the future?

Would Madison still agree that branches of government should still be as little dependent as possible from other branches with changing times?

Does Madison foresee any problems with a republic having all the power, leaving the people with none?

How can the minority not depend on the majority?

Quotes

"In order to lay a due foundation for that separate and distinct exercise of the different powers of government, which to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others."

I picked this quote because it shows that separate powers are needed to have a fair government.

"It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others."

I picked this quote because it says that each department should not have to depend on the other departments too much. I feel that this is untrue because the House and Senate need each other to pass bills.

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

I picked this quote because it emphasizes that government is needed.

"In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government."

I picked this quote because it shows that a republic has all the power, and the people have none.

"If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure."

I picked this quote because it addresses an important potential problem, that the majority could opress the minority if nothing is done to prevent it.