Note: Both Part I and Part II are included (required) in this assignment. Please devote half of your paper to each part.

Federalist No. 10 and Topic of Your Choice

Part I: Federalist No. 10

James Madison writes, in Federalist #10, “The federal Constitution forms a happy combination in this respect; the great and aggregate interests being referred to the national, the local and particular to the State legislatures.”

Here, he is describing what would become the arrangement of governance in our nation, under the U.S. Constitution, in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments.

For part one of your paper, read Federalist #10 (pg. A-27 through A-31 of your textbook, in the back of the book or at the link below) and explain what Madison is saying in your own words. What is a “faction?” How does the existence of factions relate to liberty? What are the differences between a democracy and a republic, as forms of government? What does Madison assert on each of these? After reading his points, what do you see as the advantages of our constitutional republican form of government in the U.S.?

Link: Federalist No. 10 (Links to an external site.)

Part II: Topic of Your Choice

For part two of your paper, choose an item from your textbook. Explain why you chose the topic. Now relate this to your life, current events, or one specific government decision.

If your topic is historical, research and explain its origins as well as current relevance. If your topic is controversial, research and discuss both sides, including facts, your opinion, and your reasoning.

Facts and statistics are good to include. Quotes from those with experience in the matter are good to include as well. (You may interview someone for your paper, if you like; simply properly quote and cite the interview.) *Use and cite at least two outside sources, other than your textbook. Have fun with it!