The problem of factions in Locke and Madison

Abstract

Nowadays it is impossible to think about democracy without considering the many organizationsthat freely compete within it, in order to make their political projects prevail. This paperanalyzes the arguments on the subject written by John Locke and James Madison, both complementaryreferences of the liberal tradition. While Locke features the different factions in thesocial contract, Madison thinks specifically about the United States and its opportunity to turn into federalism. Finally, these arguments settle down the precedents of current political pluralism.