GRE Reading Comprehension
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In The Federalist Number Ten. James Madison forewarned against the dangers of factions—groups of people with a common interest adverse to the overall good of the nation, what today are referred to as "special interest groups." Madison described two hypothetical ways to check a faction: Either eliminate the causes or mitigate the effects of the faction. To eliminate the causes, the government would either have to make all people perfectly equal, an impossible goal, or take away people's liberty and thus defeat the purpose of having a republican form of government. Madison argued, alternatively, for ameliorating the effects of factions by enlarging the population of the country and thus diluting their influence. If there are a sufficient number of diverse peoples, it will be difficult for a majority to share a common interest at the same time.
Question List: 1 2
Which of the following can be most correctly inferred from the passage?
- A Madison solved the problem of factions in the United States.
- B Madison thought that the best solution was to make all citizens equal.
- C Madison argued against a republican government in The Federalist Number Ten.
- D Madison analyzed the effects of increased population.
- E Madison considered more than one way to constrain factions.