Taking AP Government and Politics this year, I’ve learned a great deal of new information on the influences that have shaped the government of the United States. I’ve gained quite some insight on the political discourse of the Framers of the Constitution and gotten to delve deeper into the decision making processes that led to the fundamental principles, which sustain our federal republic. One particular document that enhanced my perception of the birth of this nation was Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison and published in 1787.

In this particular essay, one of many he had written in this politically active time period during the infancy of America, Madison shares his interpretation of factions (political parties or citizens united by certain identities, passions, and interests) and the consequences of having them. Specifically, Madison discusses that the development of different factions is inherent in a nation as diverse as America.

Madison did have some qualms with factions in that he feared a majority rule politically upsetting America, with the majority enforcing its own interests on others. He admits that involvement in government affairs can be more accessible to citizens through political party systems and that these very diverse and opposing party platforms can serve as checks of political motivations and policies.

While I agree quite somewhat with the reasoning Madison provides in encouraging the creation of diverse parties and factions to offset political imbalance, I wonder if this is the most ideal way in making progress as a society in America.

As a young child, I’d always been taught the importance of diversity, tolerance, integration, and open-mindedness. I believe that when we collectively pool our knowledge together and collaborate with one another to achieve a greater good, we are much better off as individuals and as a population. When one acts without their own ego and selfish desires as motivations,  the world and one’s immediate surroundings become a much better place.

While political parties may have formed initially to promote different perspectives and thus allow us to make the most informed political decisions, I don’t feel that this characterizes their primary purpose today. Parties no longer seem to resolve issues but rather tout that their policies and belief systems are the best, oftentimes without much to show for it.

Politics has become a cutthroat sports arena where candidates of parties in diametric opposition of one another spar it out, their ability to put on a show reeling in American viewers and their provocative sensationalism also aiding in pulling in money.

Don’t believe me? Just look to your news sources right now. Currently, with the passing of Senator John McCain, party members are already strategizing how to deal with the vacancy of his spot and playing in the best interest of expanding their party power.

The constant butting of heads and gridlocking seems mundane to me, hardly representing a promising future where we advance ourselves as a society and citizens by ensuring a nation that is at its peak.

This is not to say that in order to succeed as a nation that we must agree on every single issue and conform to one way of thinking. Of course as individuals and free thinkers, which our Constitution allows us to be, we will be in disagreement with one another, but the point is that we come to a common understanding and push past our egos, misunderstandings, and stubbornness, so we can provide for America’s future and make some headway. Political decisions impact the lives around us and must be taken seriously.

It is necessary to understand the context in which Madison wrote about factions. He probably never imagined political parties to evolve into what they are notorious for today, and he chose to see them in a positive light, which could add to America’s growth.

As time passes, our society continues to transform. Factions and diversity in politics were undoubtedly the best contributions to America at the time when our government leaders feared despotism and suppression of expression. We’ve evolved since then, however, and I believe as we grow, we must adjust our own outlooks.