This is a re-run Classic Poltical Warrior Post
James Madison might not ever imagined Bayside High School, but he described it perfectly when he wrote Federalist No. 10.
In his effort to promote the ratification of the Constitution, Madison helped write the Federalist papers to describe the theoretical underpinnings of this unique government.
Besides describing how the concept of Separation of Powers (Federalist No. 51) would work, he also spoke of how this new government would help to contain the archenemy of democracy: factions.
Madison argued that cliques are a natural part of society but were particularly detrimental in a democracy where the majority faction would naturally try to punish the minority factions. He argued that this oppressive situation was most likely to occur in smaller regions.
For instance Bayside High School-- with a student population of 10 -- had a majority faction led by Zac and the gang who ran the school. They led the football team. They ran the school newspaper. They even dictated the policies of their principal Mr. Belding...never considering the impact on the oppressed minority--the Geeks.
A large republic is like a large high school. No one faction can ever dominate. In a large republic, multiple factions have to unite behind common interests to enact public policy.
For instance, in order to win the electoral votes in a state like Florida, candidates vie to win support from the elderly, from Cuban-Americans, from African-Americans, and from the NASCAR crowd. Thus, candidates must tailor their message to unite groups that might have widely different interests.
So, when you were asked to read Federalist No. 10, you should have been sure to also watch a re-run of Saved by the Bell to gain fuller appreciation of the system that Madison was trying to prevent.
Saved by the Bell WVHS style
While the size of Waubonsie Valley, Madison would maintain, has kept any one faction from succeeding in a power grab, several sub-groups of Warrior seniors have tried separated themselves from the rest of the student body. No less than four "Senior" T-shirts have been worn by faction models. Senior Mean Girls, Senior Princesses. . . then there's the student council senior T, and the many AP faction statements.
Screech and his crew would be all about making the best T-shirt. It would probably make Madison simply want to scream. Linked is Federalist No. 10 for those of you want to get ahead of the bell.
http://www.thisnation.com/library/books/federalist/10.html
6 comments:
Factionalism and the High School - a most amusing source of debate.
I don't see factionalism to any great extent, nor any true hostility between existing group/cliques. "Geek/Nerd/Dork" labels, much the same as "Jock/Cheerleader/Prep" labels, fail to grasp the subtleties of what MIGHT be termed factions. Much like modern political parties, each group within this school is in itself divided into further fractions of factions (alliteration bonus +3) - each breaking down further and further until it's ultimately a Machiavellian system of Matthews-esque Hardball (or football or basketball or track or whatever). I guess, going by Madison's definition, all existing aspects of human culture where power of some kind is valued ultimately end up with people sticking together to gain power.
A relevant example: I'm refereeing a game called Battle Royale. It's a highly competitive deal - only one can win. Teaming up improves chances of success, so most people do that. They accept the power of a "faction" at the risk of betrayal.
AP students suffer from this too - many of you who're competing for GPA and class rank and all that cal have formed study groups. These imitate factions, as they are based on convenience and mutual support.
Of course, this is just my interpretation. I feel that our school encourages competition of this kind. Is that the case? Or are we in fact a harmonious collective working for the betterment of all students?
Nah.
While I've never seen Saved by the Bell, I guess the size of WVHS makes it a pretty effective model for the inability of a faction to gain dominance in a large republic. There are just so many people, it's impossible for one group to gain enough influence to really dominate. If it’s extremely improbable for one group to gain some type of relationship with approximately 4,000 people, 308,460,657 people is impossible.
Going along with what Darkside DM said I don't see much factionalism in our school at all. Speaking from my experiences I don't think that other students really try to rule themselves out in any sort of special way and sort of disregard and not speak to other students. Not saying that this is not happen, but I am merely saying that factionalism isn't prevalent throughout the entire school and for the most part everyone gets along with each other just fine.
I believe factionalism is not apparent here in WVHS. I agree wit Gabi, there are just too many to know and talk to each individual. Thus there is no way to gain dominance or even have influence in a large republic. Every group has its differences but not many create problems within the school based on those differences. People who believe they have or should have influence or dominance in such a huge school are unsuccessful and eventually give up.
I am unsure as to why factionalism must always have a clear negative connotation. In my opinion, it could merely be how humans have different interests and feel a sense of belonging with those who share common interests. I do not necessarily think it always means that different factions will not get along with other factions and that one group will be dominant and try to hurt others who are not a part of it.
I think that balance is the key to many aspects of politics and government, and this is no different. In order to be successful politicians must balance their platform, not leaning too hard towards one faction. In a similar fashion, it is the balance between factions that keeps one from taking control.
Post a Comment