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Framework of Government: Exercise 7 - Introduction to the Federalist Papers; Federalist #10 and Federalist #51
Instructions:
Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try
again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box. Click
here to review the key terms for this exercise.
In Federalist #10, James Madison states that societies are divided
into factions (groups). Each of these factions is created by shared religious beliefs, political
views or most commonly, unequal distribution of wealth. These factions represent different
selfish interests (preferences, goals and purposes). The existence of factions with conflicting
self-serving interests creates a problem because one group might want to dominate the others.
This can lead to violence and disorder.
Madison discusses two alternatives to
deal with this problem. One solution is to remove the causes of factions
by making everyone share similar interests. This, he says, is impossible
because everyone is different and has different views and interests.
The other solution is to control the effects of factions by having
a government of publicly elected representatives. This, he argues,
is the best way for a well-constructed union (a carefully designed
government) to prevent the majority faction from dominating the minority.
Instructions:
Read the passage and click on the correct answer. If wrong, try
again. Scroll down if you do not see the Answer box. 
