James Madison, and many of the Founders, were deeply concerned about factions - groups of people who would use the power of government in ways that would trample on the rights of others - and sought to explain how the proposed Constitution would address this problem. He also addressed concerns over the potential size of America, and how such a huge country could be governed along republican principles. There's a lot to this one that's relevant to our view of competing political groups and our fellow citizens.

Suggested Reading:

• Federalist 10 - James Madison, 22 NOV 1787