The Federalist No. 10 by Publius (James Madison) Quote Interpretation

“There are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects… 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…. If a faction consists of less than a majority, relief is supplied by the republican principle, which enables the majority to defeat its sinister views by regular vote. 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. When a majority is included in a faction, the form of popular government, on the other hand, enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. To secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction, and at the same time to preserve the spirit and the form of popular government, is then the great object to which our inquiries are directed. 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.”

I chose this passage because it shows the conscience thought of divide and conquer…for the greater good.  Since the causes of factions can not be removed as Madison claims, because to do so would destroy liberty, liberty in itself should be encouraged with all the thoughts and objections welcomed from all.  Because as long as there are large bodies of different thoughts, no one democratic thought shall prevail, thereby letting the unified republic thought govern for the good of all.