Federalist Paper #10 Flashcards

Federalist Paper Number 10

Background

• Authored by James Madison, published under the pen name Publius, referencing a Roman aristocrat who established the Roman Republic.
• Addressed to the people of the State of New York to advocate for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
• A response to Anti-Federalist concerns, particularly those raised in Brutus I.

Core Argument

• A well-constructed union can control the violence of factions.
• Addresses the problem of majority rule infringing on the rights of minorities.
• Argues against pure (participatory) democracy, stating it cannot cure the mischiefs of faction.

Republic vs. Democracy

• Defines a republic as a government with representation.
• Highlights two key differences between a democracy and a republic:
  • Delegation of government to a small number of elected citizens.
  • A greater number of citizens and a larger sphere of country.
• Madison favors a republic, believing that representatives can refine and enlarge public views better than the people themselves.

Large Republic

• Argues that large republics are more favorable for electing proper guardians of the public good.
• In a large republic, there is a greater probability of finding fit representatives.
• A large republic leads to a more pluralist society.