The Role Of Anti-Party Politics In Modern America

500 Words2 Pages

In modern America, rumors of government shutdown, debt, and the seeming inefficiency of the government to make decisive changes has given more credibility to the anti-federalist argument. It seems like so many different opinions and desires makes the successful governing of a large diverse country unrealistic under a republic. Were the anti-federalists right? While it is true that competing interests can lead to inefficient government, it is the purpose of the constitution to reign in these interests and create an effective republic. Through the compromise that arises from party politics in a republic, and ironically through the conflict of interests itself, a republic is actually able successfully govern and provide both stability and liberty for as large amount of people. …show more content…

Madison, in federalist paper no. 10, said that “The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man,” and concluded that the best way to live with this fact is by restraining these factions. One of the best ways that this is accomplished is through the number of different groups themselves. In a small democracy, the whims of the majority could cause radical and harmful government choices. The organization of a large republic makes it difficult for any group to gain significant influence over the government. Not only this, but the checks and balances of the branches of government and the distance of lawmaking from the majority also slow a majority in government from making rash decisions. This organization helps promote stability despite the unavoidable conflict by preventing total control from both the masses and minority

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