Federalist No. 10: The Control of Factions
Context and Argument
Written by James Madison, Federalist No. 10 argues that a large, extended republic is the best defense against the dangers of "factions"—groups with interests contrary to the public good. Madison contended that while factions are inevitable due to human nature and the unequal distribution of property, a large republic dilutes their power. By including a greater variety of interests, the system makes it harder for any single faction to dominate and oppress minorities.
Key Excerpt
Madison articulates this clearly in the text:
"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. The friend of popular governments never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice. He will not fail, therefore, to set a due value on any plan which, without violating the principles to which he is attached, provides a proper cure for it... There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects..."
Significance
As part of The Federalist Papers, this essay supports the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It proposes that a representative government in a large nation is far more effective at controlling the negative effects of factions than a small democracy.
Social Cohesion
Our diversity is our strength. We stand for the rights of all individuals and reject the divisiveness that neighbors against neighbors.
Key Objectives
The Goal
"A society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued, and where we celebrate our differences as the fabric of our nation."