FACTION AND DIVISION

Historically… We have just recently won our war for independence. At the forefront of the American minds is liberty; no more Stamp Acts. No more soldiers being quartered in homes. And as much democracy as is possible. "The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense whatever.“ – Articles of Confederation

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Could not levy taxes or regulate commerce Sovereignty, independence retained by states One vote in Congress for each state Nine of thirteen votes in Congress required for any measure Delegates to Congress picked, paid for by state legislatures

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Little money coined by Congress Army small and dependent on independent state militias Territorial disputes between states led to open hostilities No national judicial system All thirteen states’ consent necessary for any amendments

The Framers’ View Government would mediate, not mirror, popular views People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation Framers’ goal: to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders

James Madison an American statesman and political theorist, the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817) Wrote the Federalist Papers with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton (who would later be political opponents). During the drafting and ratification of the constitution, he favored a strong national government, though later he grew to favor stronger state governments, before settling between the two extremes late in his life.

Small Group Questions – Federalist 10 Once again, get into small groups of five. Work with each other to answer these questions. How does Madison define faction? What are some examples of faction today? What are the two ways Madison proposes for dealing with the mischief caused by factions? What are the two ways of limiting the causes of faction? Why are both unacceptable? According to Madison, what is the primary cause of conflict? Why are factions more easily controlled in a large republic? How does Madison suggest the Constitution address both concerns of corruption in small governments, as well as the concerns of poor representation in large governments?

Large Group Questions – Federalist 10 Let’s first quickly address these questions as a group? How does Madison define faction? What are some examples of faction today? What are the two ways Madison proposes for dealing with the mischief caused by factions? What are the two ways of limiting the causes of faction? Why are both unacceptable? According to Madison, what is the primary cause of conflict? Why are factions more easily controlled in a large republic? How does Madison suggest the Constitution address both concerns of corruption in small governments, as well as the concerns of poor representation in large governments? Do you think Madison has an optimistic or pessimistic view of human nature? How do you expect this will impact the make- up of our Constitution? Have factions gained control of our government? Please use evidence in your response.

Written Reflection In your opinion, is it better to have more democracy or less? Should we be giving more authority to local governments, or the national government? What kind of issues should we trust to a strong national government, and why? What issues do you think are better tackled by a small government? Remember Madison’s argument, and be sure to include his opinions within your response. This will be important as we move on to the construction of the Constitution and Federalism.