James Madison wrote that “liberty is to faction what air is to fire.” After reading this, a student points out that the Founders would have wanted more restrictions on lobbyists, special-interest groups, and media influencing the government. What would be a good counterargument? Elected officials are better able to measure public opinion if there are no interfering factions.

Lobbyists will balance one another in government influence if they are subject to fewer laws.

Political ads, despite their biases, are best able to inform citizens when there are no regulations.

The media, despite its biases, are best able to monitor the government when they are free.