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PREFACE The Federalist Papers
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Introduction:
Table of Contents:
SERENDIPITY PRESS
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In the fall of 1787, Alexander Hamilton enlisted the support of James Madison and John Jay to write a series of essays whose purpose was to refute the arguments of the opponents of the proposed Constitution. Seventy-seven of the essays were originally published in the New York City newspaper, the Independent Journal, between October 17, 1787, and April 12, 1788. those and eight additional essays soon appeared in book form as The Federalist Papers. The essays were largely responsible for the ratification of the Constitution by new York in 1788.
The initial essays (Nos. 2-4) stress the inadequacy of the Confederation and the advantages of a national union. In his famous essay, Federalist No. 10, James Madison addresses the problem of majority faction and argues that republics would thrive best in large territories that encompassed many diverse and competing factions. the middle essays (Nos. 15-36) argue for an energetic government, in particular the need for the government to be able to tax and provide for the national defense. the last essays (Nos. 37-84) explain the "conformity of the proposed Constitution to the true principles of republican government". This section includes important articles (Nos. 47-51) explaining the leading "auxiliary precaution" of the Constitution, namely, the separation of powers and the resulting system of checks and balances.
The original essays were written under the pen name Publius, a statesman of ancient Rome who had been important in establishing the Roman republic, and then warned its citizens of threats to their freedom. Today we know that Hamilton wrote 51 essays, Madison 26, and Jay five, and that Hamilton and Madison wrote three jointly.
The Federalist Papers is a brilliant set of essays on American political theory, and remains an enduring source of incisive and authoritative commentary on the Constitution. In recommending The Federalist Papers, George Washington wrote that they "have thrown a new light upon the science of government, they have given the rights of man a full and fair discussion, and explained them in so clear and forcible a manner, as cannot fail to make a lasting impression." Thomas Jefferson proclaimed the work to be "the best commentary on the principals of government which ever was written."
NOTE: This PROLOUGH is credited to Matthew Spalding, who edited The Founders' Almanac, published by The Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 2002-2999. Copyright © 2001 The Heritage Foundation, ISBN 0-8915-097-4.
Introduction: Three Score and Thirteen Preface: The Federalist Papers Contents: Three Score and Thirteen I The Bill of Rights I How to Order I Quotes by Founding Fathers I I
© 2002-2006 James B. Plair |
