Question

In at least 150 words, explain the relationship between liberty and factionalism discussed by James Madison in the Federalist Papers.

Answer 1

To Madison, there are only two ways to control a faction: to remove its causes and to control its effects. The first is impossible. There are only two ways to remove the causes of a faction: destroy liberty or give every citizen the same opinions, passions, and interests. Destroying liberty is a "cure worse then the disease itself," and the second is impracticable. The causes of factions are thus part of the nature of man and we must deal with their effects and accept their existence. The government created by the Constitution controls the damage caused by such factions.

Answer 2

The Federalist is often used to interpret the ... As defined by Madison, a faction was a number of citizens, whether a majority or ... There were two ways of removing the causes of factions, or political parties.