Study Questions for Federalist Number 10 By James Madison
1. What is a faction? Why are factions a problem in government?
2. What are the two methods for curing the mischiefs of faction?
What are the two methods for removing the causes of
faction?
3. What does Madison argue that the causes of faction cannot be
removed?
4. Why does pure democracy have no cure for the mischiefs of faction?
Is Madison arguing against a system of majority rule? Why or why
not?
5. To what extent will enlightened leadership solve the problems of
factions? Why does Madison more trust in the leaders than the
people?
6. Why does a republic do a better job of controlling the effects of faction
than a pure democracy? Why does a large republic do a better job of
controlling the effects of faction than a small republic?
Study Questions for Federalist Number 51 By James Madison
1. What is deemed necessary to do with governmental power in the
constitution?
2. What is meant by “If men were angels no government would be
necessary,” and “If angels were to govern men, neither external
nor internal controls on government would be necessary?”
3. According to Madison, not all branches must have an equal power
of self-defense. Which power/branch does he think will be dominant?
How should its power be checked?
4. How does the Federal system in America protect against the usurpations
of power?
5. According to Madison, how would minority rights be secured in America?