Foundational Documents Organizer - Federalist 10

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Federalist 10 notes.

Federalist 10

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can control the negative effects of factions and prevent majority oppression of minorities.

James Madison

Author of Federalist 10; advocated strengthening the central government through a large republic to manage factions.

Post-constitutional convention – debates for ratification

Period after drafting the Constitution when arguments for and against ratification occurred.

Large republic

A big republic with many factions; the larger it is, the harder it is for a majority to oppress a minority.

Faction

A group united by a common interest that can threaten the rights of others; factions are natural, so the remedy is to control their negative effects.

Majority

The larger segment of the population; in Madison’s view, can oppress minorities if unchecked.

Minority

A smaller group whose rights must be protected from majority oppression in a large republic.

Oppression of minorities

The risk Madison aims to prevent by creating a large republic that dilutes power.

Central government

The federal government; Madison argues for strengthening it through a large republic.

Democracy

Rule by the people; in this context, democracies are seen as unable to guard minority rights against majority tyranny.

Republic

Representative government; a large republic disperses power among many factions to protect minority rights.

Pure/Direct Democracy

A system where a small number of citizens vote directly on laws; the majority will tend to win and oppress minorities.

Critics’ concerns

Critics argue the majority factions must be prevented from oppressing minorities and that democracies threaten personal security and property rights.

Purpose

To strengthen the central government by creating a large republic.

Main Idea

A large republic is the best way to control factions and prevent majorities from oppressing minorities.