1. According to the author, what was the "central issue" addressed by the Constitutional Convention?
2. What two main reasons did Madison have for distrusting democratic elections?
3. In general, what was Madison's "solution" to the problem democratic tyranny? What are "auxiliary precautions"?
4. For Madison, what was the ultimate cause of factions?
5. How did Madison think it was possible to prevent a single faction from becoming a majority?
6. Why did Madison initially dislike political parties?
7. Describe the manner in which political parties can function as competitive corporations?
8. On this model, why do parties tend to become alike? Why do they diverge?
9. Why might parties be better described as "coalitions" than "well-oiled machines"?
10. Why might one element of a coalition leave? If this happens, what are the two possible outcomes?
11. What behavior does seeing parties as "churches" explain that the other models do not?
12. What are the two basic "creeds" in America that the author mentions? Describe each briefly?
13. Explain one way in which political parties can help prevent majority tyranny?
14. What effect did Tocqueville think that newspapers had in society?
15. Why did print journalism become more objective in the wake of the Civil War and Industrial Revolution?
16. What caused this neutrality to end?
17. Describe the two basic views of human nature according to the author?
18. Describe the main features of "central planning" (socialism) versus "decentralization" (free-market capitalism).
19. What moral effects did Tocqueville observe that "commerce" had on Americans?
20. What are the plusses and minuses of "creative destruction"?
21. Why, according to the author, does a commercial society lead to aversion to war and indifference to politics? Do you agree?
22. Briefly describe how the Laffer curve applies to taxation?
23. How can the tax code be used as a moral force? What are some limits to its ability to do ? Do you think it is a good thing?
24. According to Federalist No. 45, what are the proper objects of state governments?
25. Briefly describe the four sections of the Constitution that limit state power.
26. Briefly summarize the five advantages of federalism discussed by the author.