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Special Interest Groups In Large Republics

Decent Essays

James Madison, the 4th president of the United States, wrote "10th Federalist (1787)" in regards to the safety of the size of a republic and "factions" inside of the commonwealth. He writes about larger republics being preferred than smaller republics because people are likely to form special interest groups to keep the population more diverse. Having special interest groups known as "factions" are known to be more effective in a larger republics. Its due to the fact that there are more people in large republics, individuals are more likely to join the group and have more supporters. These groups can range from being harmless or being as dangerous as home grown terrorist groups. The political theorist states his theory of republic size, and the relationship between the size of a republic and the factions that grow with in it. …show more content…

"...to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country." (Madison 4) Larger republics give more space to individuals to give them room to express their interests. In turn the people will favor their state and be supportive in what their state does, i.e. pass laws or taxation. By having many individuals, representatives are used to give the people a voice to speak with government. This will the people a chance to express their thoughts more effectively to government. Compared to smaller republic, there are a fewer individuals with the want to express their opinions and contribute to their state. According the Madison, smaller republics have a flaw of having too many leaders and not enough followers. Which results in leaders fighting over power and control. Due to the fact that larger republics have several "factions", in causes to make an interesting

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