Question

How do Federalist 10 and Agrippa Letter, no. 4 present the prospect of freedom and liberty in a large, or "extended," republic like the United States? What are the most important issues at stake in the debate?

Answer 1

Answer: The Federalists 10 supports the idea of a centralized government.

Explanation:

Madison in Federalist 10 argues that it is necessary to have an established government to “break and control the violence of faction” that is those who do not support government administration and oppose legislation. He states that the government can hold the power to ensure that society remains functional saying “a republic… promises the cure”. Madison then argues that the only problem arises from majority factions because the principle of popular sovereignty should prevent minority factions from gaining power.The “Agrippa” letters appear to have been written by James Winthrop, who was register of probate in Middlesex when these letters were written. He argued that the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government, while taking too much power away from state and local governments.

The most important issue at stake in this debate is the question of the future governmental structure of the United States. Would it be one central government or a union of small individual governments. The independent United States was afraid that one centralized government would take away power from the people and it will be too far removed to represent the average citizen, others are afraid that without a strong governmental figure, disorder would ensue.