American Political Theory Erik Rankin – POL 265 Federalist 10 & 51

The Federalist Papers Why study? They fulfill 2 purposes –To understand the American context –Transcend American political context History of papers –Collection of 85 pieces –Written in defense of the Constitution –Oct – Aug targeting NY the crucial 9 th state –Federalists? Discuss notion of word Were the AF more federalist? Wow! –Authors – Hamilton, Madison, Jay –Signed Publius

The Federalist Papers Federalist 10 deals with factions and is written by Madison Faction- group of united people that have a passion that is adverse to other citizens Factions are fueled by irrationality, emotions, and self interest. –Highly explosive self interest! Factionalism actually traces its roots in theory to Aristotle Politics Book V

The Federalist Papers Aristotle believes faction comes by –Inequalities Real or believed 3 classes in society 1.Aristocracy - Noble 2.Oligarchy - Wealthy 3.Democracy – poor/many –In our context we use 2 &3 –We have a different context of equality –Olio-rule of money & Demo- rule of numbers –Justice and equality are relative to your class position –Each group feels justice is on their side –These factions have passion, desire, and self interest –Built in tension between Olio & Demo –To hold this together the middle needs to be as large as possible

The Federalist Papers Madison is an astute follower of this Aristotelian vision (theory) Fed. #10 argues that the Constitution will bring factionalism under control 2 ways to deal with factions –Eliminate Causes & Control Effects –Diagram Eliminate cause –Take away opinions – give all the same opinions Impractical, different self interests Difference is natural It is the govt. job to protect opinion Self defeating

The Federalist Papers Control Effects –Reduce opinions Compromise (small republic) –very difficult in a small republic setting because of existing power relations More factions (large republic) –they tend to balance each other out –Hard to bring them together –Tyranny of majority becomes less likely; too many to get on the same stage –Why are large republics better? Harder to get things done Few laws get passed (difficult for all to agree) Madison likes gridlock What about the common good? With all of these factions, how do you know what the common good is? Deliberation and citizen involvement are real problems in a large republic setting

The Federalist Papers Federalist #51 written by Madison as well Checks and Balances paper View of human nature- govt. itself is a reflection of human nature –People are incapable of controlling their self love –Human nature is deeply flawed –Madison undermines his own credibility by his human nature argument –Why trust him? –Could the framers be seen as a faction? Journal entry!

The Federalist Papers For the sake of liberty there must be a separation of powers Logic is the multiplication of factions States may be seen as the 4 th branch of government (diagram) –Example: ERA struck down by states 2 concepts of liberty (Isaiah Berlin) –Positive Liberty – has something to do with creating unity and doing something –Negative Liberty – being left alone –Which do we use? Journal Entry

Journal Entry Could the framers be seen as a faction? Which type of liberty do we use and why?