James Madison's Federalist No 10

James Madison’s Federalist No 10. outlines many of the aspects that the American Government was founded on, and features that continue to be employed to this day. The primary point throughout the essay was warning our nation of the formation of factions, or party united under one goal, and how a government would be able to prevent a majority faction from assuming complete power. Madison argues that the formation of factions are the primary reason for failure within a government. The essay argues that factions must be removed or controlled in their effects in order to have an efficient, and successful government. Madison focuses his essay on how a government can control faction’s effects and then declares his thesis: “The ability of free people

to govern themselves not only fails to prevent the problem of majority factions but actually empowers the majority to work its evil.” He asserts that people who run majority factions are still human and are subject to the same characteristics of greed and prejudice. The prime example of this statement is the white majority imposing its desires on the black minority population. In fear of oppression occurring Madison explains the ideal government follows a democratic republic as opposed to a pure athenian democracy.
Madison’s argument is valid and true in many cases.

Madison and the other Framers of the Constitution set up a protective and durable system that is capable of slow change, but also difficult to overthrow. Having just experienced an oppressive government and a revolution that toppled a powerful government, the Framers of the Constitution were able to remain objective and create a system of powers that ensures equality to its people, as well as structure and security in government. Madison’s recommended government successfully prevents the most common cause of popular governments disappearing- factions. His government diminishes the effects of majority factions through a system of checks and balances. An example of the power of factions in the world were the incidents within the Arab Spring. Throughout the two years, four governments were overthrown, civil uprisings occurred in two countries, and protests occurred in twelve countries. The cause of this instability were the two major factions within the Islamic religion: Sunni and Shiite. This instability is exactly what Madison wanted to avoid. His ideal government has been able to withstood centuries, and succeed in maintaining a strong government. However, the initial argument of Anti-Federalists- “A large republic will not better protect the rights of a minority faction” is still prevalent. Madison’s plan does not completely ameliorate the problem of protecting the rights of minority factions. However, with the size of the United States, it is impossible to maintain order while adhering to every individual's desires. Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk, was imprisoned for not adhering to national law, is a prime example of a compromise needing to be made. Ms. Davis, a devout Christian, does not withhold the belief that same-sex marriage should occur. Unwilling to do her elected job, Kim Davis was punished for not allowing the natural rights of these people, which resulted in jail time. In this instance, it is

difficult to adhere to both Kim Davis’, and homosexual couples’ rights since they are contrasting views. Although the Madisonian system cannot ensure protection to every minorities rights, it does allow compromises to be made. Unable to fulfil her job requirements, Kim Davis could have stepped down from her position and received another equally paying job, allowing for both Kim to not violate her beliefs, as well as allowing homosexual couples to be married. Although the Madisonian Government cannot ensure protection to every individual's rights, it does provide ample possibility for compromise. Madison’s argument of structure of government has remained true throughout American history. Although it is not the cure-all system that fixes every problem, it does provide a strong structure to government, protection against majority factions, and equal representation to individual rights through compromises.
Madison’s system provides strong structural support for the American Government while maintaining an appropriate level of efficiency and speed in decision making. Rapid change in government often leads to mistakes and problems within a government; exemplified by American interference in Iraq. Slow gradual change, on the other hand, ensures constant support from the population and allows time to fix blemishes and mistakes in a plan. For example, the process required in adding an amendment to the Constitution is long and tiresome. First it requires two thirds of both the senate and the house of representatives to agree. Following this approval, the amendment must then be ratified by three quarters of the states. Madison and the Framers of the Constitution purposely created such stringent requirements to prevent majority factions from assuming power and creating new rules, as well as preventing the government from making mistakes. In cases of emergency when rapid change is required, the Madisonian system also provides the possibility for quick change. An example of this would be Presidential powers in a time of war. When declaring war, the President must have support from congress. However, if the United States were to be attacked, the President has sole power to retaliate and make war on an enemy. This system allows for valuable time to be saved, and protects the American people in emergency situations. The Madisonian system allows for proper efficiency when running the government. This occurs by allowing for a small amount of change rather than sudden drastic alterations and allows for exceptions to be made in times of emergency when rapid adjustments are required.
Another weakness argued by some against the Madisonian governmental system is the increased levels of corruption. Corruption was one of the many warnings Madison provided the American people with. Unfortunately, the use of positions for personal gain is arguably at the highest all time. More and more politicians are considered “career politicians” they serve the country as a career and intend to reap its benefits. Having career politicians introduces the willingness of some candidates to do whatever it takes to stay in office and maintain a job. It is feasible that Madison never anticipated such levels of corruption or desire for self-gain. Some demand that this problem be fixed by the system, not the people. A Stanford economist by the name of Bruce Owen agrees with this notion (Owen, To Promote the General Welfare). Mr. Owen believes a fourth branch of government should be created to combat corruption. In his argument Owen would give veto power to the members of this fourth branch in deciding whether legislation is beneficial to the “welfare” of the American population. Although a system to combat corruption would be helpful, providing veto power to a new fourth branch of government would destroy the current system of checks and balances. Allowing complete veto power by one branch would increase corruption in its officials, and allow majority factions to emerge and take control of the efficiency of the government. Rather than begin a new branch of government in which corruption is monitored, the American people should assess candidates they are electing and discern whether their personal goals are the reason for them seeking appointment. In doing this, the level of corruption, and number of corrupt officials would diminish and result in a far more efficient governing body.
The Madisonian Government has provided and will continue to provide the best support, efficiency, and equality to the American people and in the American Government. Theories in changing the current three branches of government would result in a negative effect on the American political system. Rather than change the system, it is apparent that change is required in the politicians who make up the system. Career politicians, corrupt officials, and the development of factions are causing the lack of efficiency within the American Government. Rather than changing the structure of government, the nation needs statesmen and those willing to compromise in order to fight for the well being of the country. In fixing this major problem, it will become apparent that the Madisonian Governing System has been and will continue to be the most efficient, and secure government in the world.