American Government, Readings and Cases by Peter Woll, 12th edition

1.  Second Treatise, of Civil Government, John Locke, pages 4-10

Political societies are formed because of the inadequacies of human existence in a state of nature. The purpose and processes of government are shaped by natural law and natural rights.

2. Federalist 10, James Madison, pages 186-190

Factions are groups that unite to serve selfish goals, not the national interest. It is necessary to control factions through constitutional means, one of which is the creation of a large republic that helps to dispense factions and reduces their influence on the national legislature.

3. Federalist 47, 48 and 51, James Madison, pages 42-47

The Constitution provides for a system of separation of powers and checks and balances designed to rpevent the arbitrary exercise of governmental power. Each branch of government is given te necessary means and motives to resist encroashment from coordinate branches.

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Chief Justice Richard Barajas
Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
Cathedral High School, El Paso, Texas
Last updated:  April 20, 1999