It serves to introduce an initial critique of the theories in the design and the design, itself, for this fifth installment in the series considering the U.S. Congress. The structural design was extraordinarily critical because it provided the arena for the factional competition at the heart of Madison’s theory. Neither Madison’s theory nor his design distinguishes between a majority operating in the public interest and one that is a problematic factional interest. This feature of the design is most problematic when the public interest demands legislation that is opposed by a factional interest. Contrary to Madison’s emphasis on factional majorities, the smaller factional interests are more likely to form; combined, these matters all work to empower smaller, factional interests.

Source: New York Times January 27, 2023 03:18 UTC