In the discussions of factions, which concept is described as a solution by channeling self-interest through representation?

• A. Self-interest as a solution
• B. Direct democracy
• C. Civic virtue
• D. Tyranny of the majority

Answer: (A)

Factions are inevitable in a free society, but their effects can be managed by how the system is designed. The solution is to channel self-interest through representation: by electing a diverse set of representatives, competing interests are filtered and mediated, so decisions emerge from balancing passions rather than from a single faction’s dominance. This idea uses private motives as a constructive force within a constitutional structure, helping prevent any one group from overpowering others. Direct democracy would skip representation and rely on direct voting by the people, which changes the mechanism. Civic virtue emphasizes virtue over self-interest rather than harnessing it through institutional design, and tyranny of the majority is the problem this approach aims to avert, not the solution.