3.1k views
4 votes
In The Federalist 10, which of the following did James Madison argue would best control the negative effects of factions?

A large federal republic

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer: James Madison argued that a large republic would best control the negative effects of factions

Step-by-step explanation:

James Madison argued that a large republic would best control the negative effects of factions. He believed that a large republic would help counteract the influence of factions because of the greater number of citizens and interests it contained, and the greater diversity of opinions and interests it would reflect. Madison argued that when a republic is large enough, it would be difficult for a faction to gain control of the government due to the sheer number of people involved. He also argued that when a republic is large enough, it would be possible for the majority to be determined by a variety of interests and opinions, thus lessening the influence of any one faction. He wrote: “Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength, and to act in unison with each other.” (The Federalist 10, para. 6). This suggests that Madison believed that a large republic would provide the most effective control over factions by ensuring the interests and opinions of the many, rather than the few, would be represented in government.

User Waqar Janjua
by
7.2k points