Discuss Madison's views on factions, as expressed in Federalist ...

[serike]

Discuss Madison's views on factions, as expressed in Federalist No. 10, and how he would respond to the tremendous growth in the number of interest groups actively lobbying in Washington, D.C., over the past several decades.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the relationship between lobbyists and members of Congress in terms of what each offers the other.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[rleezy04]

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that Madison was distrustful of factions, defined as groups pursuing their own interest at the expense of the broader public good.
2, Explain that Madison believed that factions must be allowed, but that government could be designed so that no single faction becomes too dominant.
3, Provide a logical position that Madison might take in light of the preceding points. For instance, he would likely be disheartened by the proliferation of groups, but still adamant that they should be able to exist.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1, Explain that lobbyists seek to gain access to and the support of members of Congress on key legislation.
2, Explain that members of Congress grant access to lobbyists because lobbyists provide them with campaign contributions and can offer them technical expertise and information on issues they may be unfamiliar with.