In Federalist No 10 (and 51), Madison argued in favor of a large republic, which went against the ideas of this political philosopher.

In Federalist No 10 (and 51), Madison argued in favor of a large republic, which went against the ideas of this political philosopher.

• A. John Locke
• B. Thomas Hobbes
• C. Montesquieu
• D. Plato

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is how the size of a republic affects the protection of liberty, as debated by Madison and Montesquieu. Madison argues that a large republic, with many factions and broad diversity of interests, makes it harder for any one group to dominate and thus better guards liberty. This view contrasts with Montesquieu’s belief that small republics are more likely to sustain virtue and stable governance because citizens are more closely connected to their government and can hold rulers more easily to account. So Madison’s case for a large republic challenges Montesquieu’s preference for smaller political communities. The other thinkers—Locke, Hobbes, and Plato—are not stating this particular position about republic size in the same way, which is why Montesquieu is the best fit.

The main idea being tested is how the size of a republic affects the protection of liberty, as debated by Madison and Montesquieu. Madison argues that a large republic, with many factions and broad diversity of interests, makes it harder for any one group to dominate and thus better guards liberty. This view contrasts with Montesquieu’s belief that small republics are more likely to sustain virtue and stable governance because citizens are more closely connected to their government and can hold rulers more easily to account. So Madison’s case for a large republic challenges Montesquieu’s preference for smaller political communities. The other thinkers—Locke, Hobbes, and Plato—are not stating this particular position about republic size in the same way, which is why Montesquieu is the best fit.