The Federalist Essay No 10. explains how the United States being a larger state to rule over, is less susceptible to falling into the hands of a tyrant. It states, "The other point of difference is, the greater number of citizens and extent of territory which may be brought within the compass of republican than of democratic government; and it is this circumstance principally which renders factious combinations less to be dreaded in the former than in the latter. The smaller the society, the fewer probably will be the distinct parties and interests composing it; the fewer the distinct parties and interests, the more frequently will a majority be found of the same party; and the smaller the number of individuals composing a majority, and the smaller the compass within which they are placed, the more easily will they concert and execute their plans of oppression". With more citizens and vast territory the United States has more people who will readily oppose any such tyrant. It is in fact more difficult for one ruler to control the entire region. This is what differentiates the United States from other European countries and by Madison sets the United States at an advantage.
Federalist Essay No 51 states "In the extended republic of the United States, and among the great variety of interests, parties, and sects which it embraces, a coalition of a majority of the whole society could seldom take place on any other principles than those of justice and the general good; whilst there being thus less danger to a minor from the will of a major party, there must be less pretext, also, to provide for the security of the former, by introducing into the government a will not dependent on the latter, or, in other words, a will independent of the society itself. It is no less certain than it is important, notwithstanding the contrary opinions which have been entertained, that the larger the society, provided it lie within a practical sphere, the more duly capable it will be of self-government". This explains how with several different groups there is hope that the different groups will support justice and equality. There is a security in majority rights for many groups if promoting justice which also secures individual rights. This allows the United States government to represent everyone's interests in a just way.
I like how you explain his main ideas in a more modern phrasing and then apply it to our government today. In Federalist Paper 10 it says that regions with less groups will be able to solely promote one overbearing group, but that it will be shot down by the rest. But it is interesting to look at our modern political scene and see that major groups have taken power, but each claim to support justice and equality, so would this be okay under Paper 51?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your take on how American has an advantage over other European nations as far as a safeguard towards a dictator-esque leadership. You talked in your second paragraph about an increase in justice groups now, however when you think of factions do you also think of ones like Westboro Baptist Church? Do you still think that factions should be as unsuppressed as they are currently when it comes to hate groups vs justice groups? Also, would you agree that larger groups can bully minority groups like Madison, or would you disagree with him?
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