The Federalist Papers, No. 10 by James Madison: The Federalist Papers, No. 10 by James Madison, List 3

Following the Constitutional Convention in 1787, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay published a series of essays supporting the new Constitution. Together these essays are called The Federalist Papers. Federalist No. 10 by Madison is considered one of the most important political documents in U.S. history. Madison discusses political factions, which in today's language might be called political parties. The essay was first published in newspapers under the pen name "Publius." Read the full text here.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. advocate
    a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
    And what are the different classes of legislators but advocates and parties to the causes which they determine?
  2. subservient
    serving or acting as a means or aid
    It is in vain to say that enlightened statesmen will be able to adjust these clashing interests, and render them all subservient to the public good.
  3. helm
    a position of leadership
    Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.
  4. inference
    drawing a conclusion on the basis of circumstantial evidence
    The inference to which we are brought is, that the CAUSES of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its EFFECTS.
  5. convulse
    move or stir about violently
    It may clog the administration, it may convulse the society; but it will be unable to execute and mask its violence under the forms of the Constitution.
  6. desideratum
    something sought after as a necessity
    Let me add that it is the great desideratum by which this form of government can be rescued from the opprobrium under which it has so long labored, and be recommended to the esteem and adoption of mankind.
  7. opprobrium
    a state of extreme dishonor
    Let me add that it is the great desideratum by which this form of government can be rescued from the opprobrium under which it has so long labored, and be recommended to the esteem and adoption of mankind.
  8. esteem
    regard highly; think much of
    Let me add that it is the great desideratum by which this form of government can be rescued from the opprobrium under which it has so long labored, and be recommended to the esteem and adoption of mankind.
  9. concert
    settle by agreement
    Either the existence of the same passion or interest in a majority at the same time must be prevented, or the majority, having such coexistent passion or interest, must be rendered, by their number and local situation, unable to concert and carry into effect schemes of oppression.
  10. efficacy
    capacity or power to produce a desired result
    They are not found to be such on the injustice and violence of individuals, and lose their efficacy in proportion to the number combined together, that is, in proportion as their efficacy becomes needful.
  11. inducement
    act of bringing about a desired result
    A common passion or interest will, in almost every case, be felt by a majority of the whole; a communication and concert result from the form of government itself; and there is nothing to check the inducements to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual.
  12. contention
    a dispute where there is strong disagreement
    Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.
  13. patronize
    provide support for
    Theoretic politicians, who have patronized this species of government, have erroneously supposed that by reducing mankind to a perfect equality in their political rights, they would, at the same time, be perfectly equalized and assimilated in their possessions, their opinions, and their passions.
  14. discern
    perceive, recognize, or detect
    The effect of the first difference is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations.
  15. consonant
    in keeping
    Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose.
Created on Fri May 30 13:14:49 EDT 2025 (updated Fri May 30 13:15:11 EDT 2025)

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