Federal Essay 10 Summary

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In Federal Essay 10, Madison discusses the issue of faction and how it relates to a republic. He presents an in-depth discussion of the definition of faction, its effects and influence on society, the methods of controlling it, and the benefits of a republic to control faction. First, Madison defines faction as “as a number of citizens…united and actuated by…passion… [and] adverse to the rights of [others].” By Madison’s definition, a faction is not a political party. Rather, he views a faction as an “interest,” and he also describes the concepts of party and faction as separate entities: “the spirit of party and faction” (Federalist 10). After hearing the warnings and complaints from many “considerate and virtuous citizens” about “instability, injustice, and confusion…[in] public councils,” Madison examines how factions influences society. He concludes that “governments are too unstable,…public good is disregarded,…[and measures] are too often decided…[by an] overbearing majority.” Such issues, Madison argues, result from “a factious spirit” within government (Federalist 10). …show more content…

If the faction is a minority, then “relief is supplied by the republican principle.” However, a majority faction becomes a serious threat to a free society, “[sacrificing] to [faction’s] ruling passion or interest…the public good and the rights of [others].” Having established “the mischiefs of faction,” Madison then presents two possible methods of controlling majority faction. He reasons that “either the existence of the same passion or interest…must be prevented, or the majority…must be rendered…unable to concert and carry into effect schemes of oppression” (Federalist

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