Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This is quite a long article, but I hope you all will read it. [View all]SARose
(764 posts)60. Federalist No. 10
The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection
From the New York Packet. Friday, November 23, 1787.
MADISON
Snip
Hence, it clearly appears, that the same advantage which a republic has over a democracy, in controlling the effects of faction, is enjoyed by a large over a small republic,--is enjoyed by the Union over the States composing it. Does the advantage consist in the substitution of representatives whose enlightened views and virtuous sentiments render them superior to local prejudices and schemes of injustice? It will not be denied that the representation of the Union will be most likely to possess these requisite endowments. Does it consist in the greater security afforded by a greater variety of parties, against the event of any one party being able to outnumber and oppress the rest? In an equal degree does the increased variety of parties comprised within the Union, increase this security. Does it, in fine, consist in the greater obstacles opposed to the concert and accomplishment of the secret wishes of an unjust and interested majority? Here, again, the extent of the Union gives it the most palpable advantage.
The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States. A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction in a part of the Confederacy; but the variety of sects dispersed over the entire face of it must secure the national councils against any danger from that source. A rage for paper money, for an abolition of debts, for an equal division of property, or for any other improper or wicked project, will be less apt to pervade the whole body of the Union than a particular member of it; in the same proportion as such a malady is more likely to taint a particular county or district, than an entire State.
The influence of factious leaders may kindle a flame within their particular States, but will be unable to spread a general conflagration through the other States. A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction in a part of the Confederacy; but the variety of sects dispersed over the entire face of it must secure the national councils against any danger from that source. A rage for paper money, for an abolition of debts, for an equal division of property, or for any other improper or wicked project, will be less apt to pervade the whole body of the Union than a particular member of it; in the same proportion as such a malady is more likely to taint a particular county or district, than an entire State.
Snip
More
Madison is my hero. I remember being forced to read the Federalist Papers in the 8th grade. Some of them are sooo boring but Madison always taught me something.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
65 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
![](du4img/smicon-reply-new.gif)
This is quite a long article, but I hope you all will read it. [View all]
CaliforniaPeggy
Apr 2024
OP
There is a new documentary out called "Bad Faith" that traces some of the root causes of this mess
BlueWaveNeverEnd
Apr 2024
#2
Robert Kagan is an American neoconservative scholar. He is a critic of U.S. foreign policy and a leading advocate of
Celerity
Apr 2024
#62
I'm so sorry, my dear TygrBright! All of it shows up when I click it. It's a gift link and it all should be there.nt
CaliforniaPeggy
Apr 2024
#12
I expected that there would be an x, searched for one, but, none was visible on my phone screen.
wnylib
Apr 2024
#42
Orleans has a link the post right above yours that should work. Give it a try! His post #20.
CaliforniaPeggy
Apr 2024
#25
I'm working through the whole article and am amazed that so many Democrats signed the Southern Manifesto
erronis
Apr 2024
#19
I think, JFK kind of "put them" to sleep, and LBJ followed to "open their minds"
Justice matters.
Apr 2024
#56
Thank you for posting it on Facebook, and for making me smile, my dear HUAJIAO! ♥ nt
CaliforniaPeggy
Apr 2024
#30
I believe that things will get better, my dear nolabear, but first we must decisively win this election!
CaliforniaPeggy
Apr 2024
#32