The Dangers Of Federalist 10, By James Madison

Federalist 10 was written by James Madison and was officially presented to the public on Thursday, November 22, 1787. Federalist 10 was written in concordance with other essays published under The Federalist Papers. In this essay, Madison defines a “faction” as well as explains the potential dangers of allowing them to progress. Federalist 10, also entitled “The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection (continued)”, was an article directed towards the people of the state of New York that advocated for a republican system as opposed to a democratic system; it was primarily focused on how a democracy gave allowances to factions while a republic would not allow any tyranny from majority-level factions. A faction,
It is the desire for different opinions regarding religion, government, etc. While mankind is fallible, there will continue to be separation of human desires into different parties and groups which attack each other rather than working collectively for the greater good. The “most common and durable source of factions”, as provided by Madison, is that of perceived unfairness of property distribution. Moreover, a significant issue that arises with factions is the judging of one’s own case. “No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest certainly bias his judgement, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity.” The determination of a cause would undoubtedly lead be in the favor of the man both presenting and determining the case. Likewise, the public good will often suffer under the hands of statemen who seek their own good rather than the needs of the community. Federalist 10 details two specific ways that factions can be controlled. “The one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects.” Basically, the first would be removing liberty and the second would be giving every citizen the same opinions, passions, and interests. Both seem like poor alternatives to a Union, as one is a violation of rights and the other is entirely
Factions’ right to hold opinions, no matter how controversial, should not be infringed upon, but majorities should not be given unregulated power over the polls. A “well constructed” Union is the mode of controlling the faction, it would allow for the wisdom of officials to discern the best path for their country. Overall, Madison makes solid arguments on the benefits of a representative, constitutional republic and displays an understanding of the inherit cruelty of human