AP Government

The Complete Idiots Guide to Federalist 10 & 51

1. Federalist Paper #10

a. How does Madison define faction? What are some examples of factions today?
i. Madison defines faction as, a number of citizens, whether amounting to a
majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some
common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the right of other
citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interest of the community.
Today we have some examples that could represent as factions such as,
political parties and unions.
b. What are the two methods of curing the mischiefs caused by factions?
i. Two methods of curing the mischiefs are one to remove its causes and
second by controlling its effects.
c. What are two ways of eliminating factions? Why are they unacceptable?
i. One way to eliminate a factor is by destroying the liberty which is
essential to its existence. On the other hand the other way to eliminate a
faction is by giving to every citizen the same opinions, as well as the same
interests. The second factor is impracticable, where the first is not wise to
attempt.
d. According to Madison, what is the primary cause of conflict?
i. The primary cause of conflict according to Madison is to break and control
the violence of a faction.
e. What are the two remedies for controlling the effects of factions?
i. Two remedies for controlling the effects of factions are, principle of
majority rule, as well as the creation of large republics that can define the
views of the public. With a larger republic the people can have more of an
opinion instead of just a single faction. Where the other solution will give

one person a majority rule over everybody, then nobodys opinion will get
challenged over anothers.
f. How does federalism control factions?
i. Federalism can control factions due to having a larger/higher body above a
faction. Many other bodies that can control a faction is a federal
government. Along with this if a faction consists of less than a majority,
relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to
defeat its sinister views by regular vote.
2. Federalist Paper #51
a. What is the thesis of Federalist #51?
i. For preservation of liberty, there must be separation of power and checks
and balances in government, to avoid one faction having power over
others.
b. What is meant by if men were angels, no government would be necessary?
i. This quote is saying that if men were angels, which is to mean they are
pure and perfect; then there would be no need for a government, or
worries that one person will have more power over another.
c. Show three examples of how the Constitution protects the proper balance of
power.
i. To start the Legislative branch can create bills, although that bill can be
vetoed by the president. Secondly the Legislative branch also has the
power to make laws, but power is balanced out because the judicial branch
can say this law is unfair or not right. Lastly the legislative branch has the
power to declare war, where the president cannot officially declare war
unless the legislative branch gives the official say so. Having these laws
protects everyone from having too much power with still allowing
everyone to have some power to feel higher/above others.

d. Which branch of government is the strongest? Why? What steps were taken to
prevent it from becoming too strong?
i. The strongest branch of government is the Legislative branch. The
legislative branch is the strongest because it can take powers away from
others branches as well as override others decisions, such as the president.
The legislative branch was prevented from becoming too strong because
the judicial branch still has say over certain effects they take. For example,
if the Legislative branch chooses to make up a new law, the judicial
branch has the right to come in and say that law is unfair, not right, or
unjustified and can let is not pass. Therefore it keeps them without too
much power.
e. How are the rights of the minority protected?
i. The rights of the minority are protected by the supreme law of the
constitution. This gives protection to each individual. Therefore tyranny
by minority over the majority is barred.
f. Why are large republics more capable of self-government?
i. Large republics are more capable of self-government because the people
are what are controlling the government. Therefore a huge amount of
people will lead to a more sufficient self-government.