What is a faction? Why are majority factions more dangerous than minority factions, according to James Madison?
http://www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app#q=faction+definition
http://jared.realizingresonance.com/2011/07/14/james-madison-and-the-problem-of-factions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalist_No._10
A faction, as defined by James Madison in his famous essay "Federalist No. 10," is a group of individuals who share a common interest or passion and are bound together by it. These interests could range from political aims to economic goals, religious beliefs, or even social issues. Madison was primarily concerned with factions in the context of a democratic society.
According to Madison, majority factions are more dangerous than minority factions because they have the potential to undermine the rights and interests of the minority. Madison recognized that factions are an inherent part of human nature and cannot be eliminated, but he wanted to devise a system that could effectively manage their negative effects.
First, it is important to note that Madison believed that both majority and minority factions could pose threats to a democratic government. However, he argued that majority factions were more concerning. Here's the reasoning behind it:
1. Tyranny of the Majority: Madison was concerned that a majority faction could easily dominate the political process and suppress the views and rights of minority factions or individuals. In a democracy, decisions are typically made by majority rule, which means that if a majority faction forms, they could potentially enact laws or policies that harm the interests of the minority.
2. Potential for Unchecked Power: Madison worried that a majority faction, once in power, might become less accountable and have fewer restraints on their actions. They could use their numerical advantage to push forward their agenda without considering the rights of the minority or the overall well-being of society.
3. Threat to Individual Liberties: Madison believed that protecting individual liberties was crucial for a well-functioning democracy. He argued that majority factions, with their potential to suppress dissenting views, increased the risk of violating these fundamental liberties. Minority factions, on the other hand, might pose a threat too, but their limited numbers make it more difficult for them to gain enough power to violate individual rights on a large scale.
To counteract the negative impact of factions, Madison proposed a republican form of government, where elected representatives act as intermediaries between the people and the decision-making process. By creating a representative democracy, he argued that the influence of factions could be balanced, and the risks associated with majority factions would be mitigated.