Government and politics concepts · AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History
Federalist No. 10
Federalist No. 10: James Madison's essay arguing that a large republic is the best way to control the effects of factions.
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What it means
Madison argued that factions, groups united by a shared interest adverse to the rights of others or the public good, are inevitable because they arise from human nature and unequal property. Since removing their causes would destroy liberty, the solution is to control their effects.
A large republic, he reasoned, includes so many interests that it is hard for any single faction to form a majority and oppress others, and representation filters popular passions through elected officials.
Example
Madison would say a national debate over trade policy involves so many competing regional and economic groups that no single interest can dominate the outcome.
On the exam
Federalist No. 10 is a required foundational document and often appears with Brutus No. 1 in argument essays about the size of the republic.
Lessons and practice questions
Related terms
- Brutus No. 1An Anti-Federalist essay arguing that the proposed Constitution would create a national government too powerful and a republic too large to represent the people.
- Federalist No. 51James Madison's essay explaining how separation of powers and checks and balances protect liberty by making 'ambition counteract ambition.'
- Federalists and Anti-FederalistsThe supporters and opponents of ratifying the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and 1788.