Federalist Papers in the 21st Century

Since the Federalist Papers have been published, it is quite clear that our world and society has been sped up as a result of the unimaginable development of technology. Compared to the 18th century, the 21st century is primarily led through the presence of social media, instant communication, and the immediate delivery of news. However, what makes it most interesting to read timeless documents like The Federalist Papers, is the fact that they were written in a manner that followed humans, not society. This rhetoric has permitted these papers to continue being referenced and respected as legitimate political guides. 

Within the text of James Madison’s Federalist 10 and Federalist 51, he emphasizes the importance of a large republic that is necessary to lead and control its people with independence but will still prevent the formation of factions. As mentioned in Federalist 10, a large republic “promises the cure” for preventing factions and giving representation to all constituents. Included in Federalist 51, Madison claims that “that the larger the society, provided it lie within a practical sphere, the more duly capable it will be of self-government.” It is in this context that readers have derived the main point of the Federalist Papers 10 and 51 to aim for a large republic to limit factions and successfully develop checks and balances, respectively.

However, I am not sure that the Federalist Papers would require complete reevaluation to be applied to today's advanced techno-based society. As mentioned before, one of the most valued components of this publication is the general nature that allows it to remain relevant throughout the centuries. In Federalist 10, Madison gives greater insight into his claim of a large republic being the best option, and says that “however small the republic may be, the representatives must be raised to a certain number, in order to guard against the cabals of a few; and that, however large it may be, they must be limited to a certain number, in order to guard against the confusion of a multitude.” For me, this quote explains how republics, while ideally large, are not restricted to any specific size and must be adjusted based on the proportion of those being represented. 

Factions hold a new definition in today's day with the development of technology. Through different social media outlets, individuals can join in on different debates and discussions while being fed instant updates on news. There is a multitude of factions without there being many noticeable minorities or majorities. It is through social media that categories are created and it is within these factions that ideas can be expressed and the liberty that is mentioned as being so vital in a government is allowed and supported. Individuals are allowed to be in multiple groups without having them interlap in any way and it is with this mindset that I see how the direct concerns that Madison voiced in the Federalist Papers are not in the same way applicable to the concerns that are most pressing in today's society. However, his approach in including a general statement in how republic size will vary over time is what permits this publication to remain relevant and move with time, although the main concerns may vary.