Federalist No. 10: Factions in a Large Republic

• Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1 represent opposing viewpoints on the merits of a large republic.
• The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are foundational documents in American history.

Federalist No. 10

• Authored by James Madison, Federalist No. 10 addresses the problem of factions in a republic.
• A faction is a group of citizens united by a common interest or passion adverse to the rights of other citizens or the community's interests.
• Factions are inevitable due to human nature and differing opinions.
• Two methods considered for curing the mischiefs of faction are removing its causes and controlling its effects.
• Removing the causes is impractical because it would require destroying liberty or giving every citizen the same opinions, passions, and interests.
• Controlling the effects of faction is achieved through a large republic.
• In a small republic, it is easier for a faction to gain control and oppress the minority.
• A large republic makes it more difficult for any single faction to dominate due to a greater number of citizens and a wider geographical area.
• Representatives in a large republic are more likely to be virtuous and enlightened, chosen from a larger pool of candidates.
• The extended sphere of a large republic dilutes the influence of any one faction.
• A well-constructed Union is best suited to break and control the violence of faction.

Brutus No. 1

• Brutus No. 1, an Anti-Federalist paper, raises concerns about the Constitution and its potential threat to individual liberties and state power.
• The author argues against a large, centralized government.
• Brutus asserts the importance of deciding whether to adopt the Constitution and consolidate into one government, or to reject it and remain a confederation of states.
• A question is raised whether a large, consolidated republic can preserve liberty.
• Historical examples suggest that republics have only been successful in small territories with homogenous populations.
• Concerns exist that the vast size and diversity of the United States would make it impossible for representatives to truly represent their constituents.
• Concerns exist regarding the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause, arguing that they grant the federal government virtually unlimited power.
• The federal government might gradually encroach upon the powers of the states.
• A bill of rights is necessary to protect individual liberties from potential tyranny.
• Only a confederation of small, decentralized republics can adequately protect rights and liberties.
• The Constitution could lead to a powerful, oppressive government that will ultimately destroy liberty.

The Constitution

• The Constitution establishes the framework for the federal government.
• Power is divided among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws and consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• The executive branch, headed by the President, enforces laws.
• The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets laws.
• A system of checks and balances exists, where each branch can limit the actions of the other two.
• Power is divided between the federal government and the state governments, a principle known as federalism.
• The Constitution outlines the specific powers granted to the federal government, reserving all other powers to the states or the people.
• The Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental rights and liberties to all citizens.
• The Constitution has been amended twenty-seven times since 1788.

Declaration of Independence

• The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring that the thirteen American colonies were independent from Great Britain.
• All men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
• The people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive.
• Listed are grievances against King George III and the British government, including taxation without representation, quartering of troops, and obstruction of justice.
• The colonies are declared to be free and independent states, with full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, and establish commerce.
• The Declaration of Independence is a statement of principles and ideals that have shaped American identity and political thought.
• It has inspired movements for freedom and equality around the world.