How does "the multiplicity of interests" in American society protect the rights of its citizens? Is the author arguing that the federal government should be as accountable to any given minority as to the majority?

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Justine Chavez

7 December, 09:33

How does "the multiplicity of interests" in American society protect the rights of its citizens? Is the author arguing that the federal government should be as accountable to any given minority as to the majority?

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Davin Andersen · Answer 1

In The Federalist Papers, specifically in nº51, the issue introduced above is discussed. The first 77 articles were published between 1787 and 1788.

According to Madison, the author in charge of nº51, a multiplicity of social interests within the Republic is the mechanism to prevent tyranny in such a populous federal state. Diversity makes easier that any social group becomes too strong to decide upon the interests of others, hence is the clue to ensure that the state accounts equally for the interests of majorities and minorities. Madison believes that self-governance is feasible in a huge society.