Prompt 01
Federalist No. 10 by James Madison
In Federalist No. 10, James Madison contends that a large republican government effectively addresses the threats posed by factions. In a well-structured essay, either defend, challenge, or qualify Madison's assertion that an extended republic — as opposed to a small, direct democracy — is better suited to manage the "mischiefs of faction" while safeguarding individual liberty and the common good.
Your essay should
- Present a clear, defensible thesis that directly engages with Madison's argument.
- Utilize specific evidence and reasoning from the text (e.g., Madison's definitions of faction, his distinction between democracy and republic, his discussion on the role of representatives).
- Consider and respond to at least one counterargument to your stance.
- Examine how Madison's rhetorical and logical strategies (such as definition, analogy, or cause-and-effect reasoning) bolster or weaken his central claim.
Suggested length
4–6 paragraphs (approximately 600–900 words) > Guiding Question to consider: Does Madison's trust in the framework of a large republic sufficiently address the ongoing impact of factions in American political life — both historically and in the present?