Federalist No. 10

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Federalist No. 10
The Federalist papers were a sequence of 85 editorials that were in support of the proposed American Constitution. These articles were written under the alias “Publius” by various authors predominantly James Madison and Alexander Hamilton who hoped to push support for ratification. The articles were published in New York, and they give one an idea as to what the framers of the American Constitution were thinking on a variety of issues as well as the primary reasons given by the Constitution’s key supporters, the Federalists, in support of ratification. This paper will analyze what Federalist No. 10 entails and how it affects us today.
The Federalist No. 10 is not only the most analyzed essay of the Federalist papers, but it is also considered to be one of the most significant political writings. James Madison wrote it and published in 1789 way before he became the fourth President of the United States. The 10th Federalist tackles issues of political factions, liberty and the degree in which the government should manage the issues brought forth by factions. Faction, as defined by Madison, was a group of individuals be it the minority or majority, who came together in support of common interests, passion, or united to protect and promote their political perceptions and economic interests (Hamilton, Madison & Jay 50). Factions in political explanation are disintegrating groups who hold differing opinions and ideas, for instance, in the US there are two major political parties: the Republican and the Democratic Party, however, there are also other parties such as the Socialist Party, the Green Party etc.

Madison comprehended that factionalism was logically transpiring within the democratic political structure. After all, individuals who differed regarding the religious, social, economic and ethnic backgrounds were bound to have some disagreements over issues and also unite with those who have similar interests. Madison thus felt that factionalism presented a danger to the American citizens for these factions had the capabilities of working against the interests of the public due to their political and social insecurities that may make them ally against the public good. Madison also believed that the government by itself could not thrive in resolving the factions’ crisis and Federalist No. 10 was written as an attempt by Madison to solve that problem through promoting national unity.
Madison’s aim for writing Federalist 10 was to illustrate how the innovative inception of a Republican type of administration would be more stable and efficient in comparison to the British influence. He also elaborated how that structure would aid protect against any totalitarianism by rivaling factions. And even though having different factions is necessary when attempting to achieve maximum liberty for the people, the Republican government style will be able to minimize the aggression brought by factions. Moreover, the Republican government was to be formed in a way that it included a range of physical, financial, religious and social interest that would ensure each interest is checked by the other saving the Americans from a major power struggle between the rich and the poor. Madison through Federalist 10 was able to ensure that political and social powers were well spread within the state and hence defuse any tension building up between the various social classes promoting freedom and safety for all. Today Federalist 10 is frequently used as a reference by most scholars and has been interpreted differently by some historians, however, it remains a foundational piece of work that emphasizes the significance of national unity through republicanism.

Work Cited
Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison, and John Jay. “Federalist No. 10.” The Federalist Papers. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2009. 49-54.