<P> In any political organisation there are likely to be many highly opinionated and passionate people . The existence of a factional system allows its operations to be more predictable and stable . Compromise and give - and - take between factions allows the organisation to operate without having to satisfy the whims of many different, uncompromising individuals who might otherwise cause a split . So, somewhat counter-intuitively, factionalism can actually promote organisational harmony . </P> <P> Factions also help to broaden and diversify the organisation's appeal . A person who might otherwise find the organisation's goals unattractive might be persuaded to support a faction within it whose goals are closer to their own . Just as a democratic government is often invigorated by a strong opposition, so having a number of distinct points - of - view with an organisation can energise it and allow it to perform its role more effectively . It is also highly unlikely that any sizeable political organisation is wholly united in purpose, so arguably factions simply represent a way of managing pre-existing differences within the organisation . </P> <P> The Founding Fathers of the American constitution, explicitly warned against the dangers of party factionalism . Madison, Hamilton, and Washington expressed the belief that factions would create divides that would ultimately dismantle the government . These sentiments can be found in The Federalist Papers, specifically Federalist 10 and 51 written by Madison . </P>

When is an interest group the same as a faction and when is it different