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Federalist Papers Analysis

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Federalist Papers Analysis

Read the two self-contained excerpts below. Then use evidence from the texts and your knowledge of U.S. government to analyse the arguments. The excerpts are adapted for clarity from Federalist No. 10 and Federalist No. 51.

Source A — Federalist No. 10

James Madison argues that factions are groups of citizens united by a shared passion or interest that may threaten other citizens’ rights or the community’s long-term interests. Factions cannot be eliminated without destroying liberty or forcing everyone to hold identical opinions and interests. Both solutions would be worse than the problem. Instead, Madison proposes controlling factions’ effects. A large republic, with many interests and elected representatives, makes it harder for one faction to dominate and impose its will.

Source B — Federalist No. 51

Madison argues that government must be designed to control itself as well as govern society. Because people who govern are not perfect, government needs both the power to govern and safeguards against the misuse of that power. Dividing authority among separate branches helps prevent any one branch from becoming dominant. Each branch should have constitutional means and motives to resist encroachments by the others. Madison also argues that a large, diverse republic can make it harder for an unjust majority to form and oppress a minority.

1.According to Source A, what is a faction, and what makes a faction dangerous?

2.Which choice best explains why Madison rejects eliminating the causes of faction?

It would require abolishing liberty or making everyone think alike.
It would give representatives too much power.
It would prevent citizens from forming political parties.
It would make the national government too small.

3.In Source A, how is controlling the effects of factions different from removing their causes?

4.A science-fair committee has five members. Three vote to spend the entire budget on their own projects, leaving no funds for the other two. Using Madison’s definition, explain why this could be factional behaviour and name one feature of a large republic that might make domination harder.

5.Source B says government must be designed to “control itself.” Explain what this means in the context of Madison’s argument.

6.Match each constitutional principle with the purpose Madison’s argument suggests.

Separation of powers
Checks and balances
A large, diverse republic

Gives branches means to resist encroachments
Divides authority among branches
Makes it harder for one faction or unjust majority to dominate

7.What problem do Federalist Nos. 10 and 51 both address, and what different constitutional protections does each emphasise?

8.A student says, “Madison thought a majority could never threaten individual rights.” Is this an accurate interpretation of the excerpts? Support your answer with evidence.

9.How convincing is Madison’s claim that a large republic can help control faction? Give one reason supporting the claim and one limitation or counterargument.