Question

a pure democracy... can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction... such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths....
the two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended.
... it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose. on the other hand, the effect may be inverted. men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people.
james madison, the federalist 10
19 mark for review
which of the following statements best reflects james madison’s beliefs about political representation as expressed in the passage?
a people would be best served by having a strong leader to make the decisions.

b people will not truly have a voice in government until they can vote on laws directly.

c people are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues.

d people should elect political representatives who are wealthy enough to avoid corruption.

Explanation:

Madison argues that pure democracy has flaws, and a republic (with government delegated to a small number of elected citizens) is better. He notes that representatives' voices may align better with the public good than direct popular pronouncements, while also acknowledging risks of bad actors. Option C matches his core belief in representation via a small group of elected citizens to voice the people's concerns. Option A is incorrect as he does not advocate for a strong single leader. Option B contradicts his rejection of pure direct democracy. Option D is not mentioned; he does not tie representation to wealth to avoid corruption.

Answer:

C. People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues.