Question

the diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to a uniformity of interests. the protection of these faculties is the first object of government. from the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property, the possession of different degrees and kinds of property immediately results; and from the influence of these on the sentiments and views of the respective proprietors ensues a division of the society into different interests and parties.
what is governments purpose?
the latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society...but the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society. those who are creditors, and those who are debtors, fall under a like discrimination.
what is the oldest and most common faction?
the inference to which we are brought is that the causes of faction cannot be removed; and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects.
what conclusion does madison come to?
if a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote. it may clog the administration, it may convulse the society; but it will be unable to execute and mask its violence under the forms of the constitution.
why do the people not have to worry about the minority faction?
when a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. to secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our enquiries are directed.
why do the people need to worry about a majority faction?

Explanation:

1. What is government’s purpose?

• The text states that "the protection of these faculties is the first object of government".

1. What is the oldest and most common faction?

• It mentions that "the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property".

1. What conclusion does Madison come to?

• The inference is that "the causes of faction cannot be removed; and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects".

1. Why do the people not have to worry about the minority faction?

• If a faction is a minority, "the republican principle... enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote".

1. Why do the people NEED to worry about a majority faction?

• When a majority is in a faction, "the form of popular government... enables it to sacrifice... both the public good and the rights of other citizens".

Answer:

1. The first object of government is the protection of people's faculties.
2. The oldest and most common faction is due to the various and unequal distribution of property.
3. Madison concludes that the causes of faction cannot be removed, and relief is in controlling its effects.
4. People don't worry about minority factions because the republican principle allows the majority to defeat them by vote.
5. People need to worry about majority factions because they can sacrifice the public good and others' rights.