3: Government Power and Individual Rights

Federalist No. 10 Overview

• Author: James Madison
• Publication Date: 1787
• Main Focus: Addressing the problem of factions
• Key Arguments:
  • Factions are groups with interests contrary to the community's good.
  • A large republic guards against factions' dominance.
  • Strong, diversified federal system is necessary.

Importance and Application

• Contemporary Relevance:
  • Factions still present in diverse U.S. society.
  • Example: Gun control debates, balancing gun owners' and advocates' interests.
• Federalist No. 10's Solution:
  • Large republic ensures no single faction dominates.
  • U.S. federal system balances different interests effectively.

Insights for Modern Issues

• Current Debates: Applying principles to ongoing issues like gun control.
• Balancing Act: Federal system as a mechanism to protect rights and promote common good.

Anti-Federalist Paper Overview

• Publication Date: 1787
• Main Focus: Criticism of the proposed Constitution
• Key Arguments:
  • Constitution centralizes too much power, risking tyranny.
  • Insufficient checks on national government's power.
  • Lack of bill of rights to protect individual liberties.

Importance and Application

• Contemporary Relevance:
  • Ongoing debate on government's role in individual rights vs. common good.
  • Example: Privacy vs. national security.

Insights for Modern Issues

• Current Debates: Applying principles to privacy vs. security.
• Balancing Act: Finding solutions that protect rights and ensure national safety.