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American Political Theory

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

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American Political Theory

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

  2. 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. 1787 – Aug. 1788 targeting NY the crucial 9th state • Federalists? Discuss notion of word • Were the AF more federalist? Wow! • Authors – Hamilton, Madison, Jay • Signed Publius

  3. 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

  4. The Federalist Papers • Aristotle believes faction comes by • Inequalities • Real or believed • 3 classes in society • Aristocracy - Noble • Oligarchy - Wealthy • 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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!

  8. 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 4th 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

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

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