“The Latent Causes of Faction Are Thus Sown in the Nature

Multiple Choice

“The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man... A zeal for different opinions concerning religion, concerning government, and many other points, as well of speculation as of practice; an attachment to different leaders ambitiously contending for pre-eminence and power; or to persons of other descriptions whose fortunes have been interesting to the human passions, have, in turn, divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good. So strong is this propensity of mankind to fall into mutual animosities, that where no substantial occasion presents itself, the most frivolous and fanciful distinctions have been sufficient to kindle their unfriendly passions and excite their most violent conflicts. But the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society….”
--James Madison, Federalist No. 10, 1787
-Which of the following reflects how Madison's warnings have come to fruition in the 21^st century?

A) The government is based on a two-party system.-Consider This: Though Madison also warned against parties,factions are more single minded and unlikely to seek compromise than parties that covered a wide range of issues.
B) Many Americans vote along party lines.
C) Interest groups single-mindedly represent a wide number of issues.
D) The government is incapable of focusing on more than one issue at a time.