The Federalist Papers
Today’s Objective After this lesson, we will be able to… Describe Madison’s arguments in Federalist #10 & #51 Define “faction” and the dangers of factions Outline Madison’s reasoning for governmental checks and balances (or separation of powers)
Which Faction are you? Search the following on your phone: Which faction are you quiz Click on the first link http://divergentthemovie.com/aptitudetest
Class Factions
What are the Federalist Papers? A series of newspaper articles intended to persuade people to vote for the Constitution Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Reading Questions Working with a peer, complete the questions for both Federalist #10 and #51 Be prepared to discuss as a class
Federalist #10
What is a faction? Special interest groups; any group that tries to dominate the political process for their own gain.
Why are factions dangerous? Disrupt the common good and could potentially harm personal liberties
According to Madison, how can factions be cured? Removing its Causes Controlling its Effects LIBERTY IS TO FACTION WHAT AIR IS TO FIRE Destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence By giving to every citizen the same opinions, the same passions, and the same interests If factions do exist, how do you deal with them appropriately? Majority Faction Minority Faction
How do you control the effects of a faction? Majority Faction Minority Faction Majority rule will limit Keep the idiots quiet Majority Rule, Minority Rights Pure Democracy Majority uses passions to sway large crowds Put down minority’s rights Republic ? Small LARGE Factions hold more weight There go those idiots again More Members More Checking Less Violations of Rights The better choice: Why? Greater number of citizens More difficult for unworthy candidates Center on men who possess the right qualities
Federalist #51
What is Madison’s Purpose? Rationale for Checks and Balances and Separation of Powers Also talks of the dangers of factions (of course)
Words of Wisdom “Ambition must be made to counter ambition” Checks and Balances “In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments.” Separation of Powers
Reflection Are there factions today? If so, do you think they are dangerous? Why or why not? Do our governmental checks and balances work well? Why or why not?