Federalist Papers

Can a republic work a large scale?

Written by James Madison, this essay defended the form of republican government proposed by the Constitution. Critics of the Constitution argued that the proposed federal government was too large and would be unresponsive to the people.

How would the new Constitution create greater unity than the Articles of Confederation and how would it better uphold justice?

Why it is crucial that the federal government have the authority to quickly mobilize an army?

Federalist No. 39, written by James Madison, is an explanation the character of the new republican system of government created under the Constitution. Madison explains why the United States government is partly national in character (meaning a government over a consolidation of all the states and the whole of the American people) as well as partly federal (a government over several sovereign states.)

James Madison's argues that the delegates at the Constitutional Convention did not violate their instructions in creating a new Constitution.

What are the possible dangers when the proper balance of connection and blending between the branches of government are not followed?

Madison counters frequent conventions would undermine the stability of government and rely too heavily on passion over reason.

In this Federalist Paper, James Madison explains and defends the checks and balances system in the Constitution. Each branch of government is framed so that its power checks the power of the other two branches; additionally, each branch of government is dependent on the people, who are the source of legitimate authority.

An annotated version of Federalist 52 with key terms defined and comprehension questions.

Alexander Hamilton orJames Madison as Publius defends the House of Representatives in detail. It addresses the requirements, term length, and direct election by the people as well as comparisons to state legislatures and historical examples of other legislative bodies.

Publius argues that a two-year term for those serving in the US House of Representatives is necessary for travel from and communication with home states and to learn the necessary information to make the best decisions possible while serving a state at the federal level.  

An annotated version of Federalist 55 with key terms defined and comprehension questions.

An annotated version of Federalist 62 with key terms defined and comprehension questions.

In this Federalist Paper, Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong executive leader, as provided for by the Constitution, as opposed to the weak executive under the Articles of Confederation. He asserts, “energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government.

Alexander Hamilton argues that to keep the chief executive effective, energetic, and above any temporary passions of the people a term length of four years allows for accountability and stability.

Why should a president be eligible for re-election?

What should the president’s salary and veto power be?

What role does the president hold as commander-in-chief, what power does he have to pardon, and how is held accountable to the people yet independent enough to act swiftly when required?

A proponent of a strong national government with an “energetic executive,” he is sometimes described as the godfather of modern big government.

No other Founder had as much influence in crafting, ratifying, and interpreting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights as he did. A skilled political tactician, Madison proved instrumental in determining the form of the early American republic.

John Jay epitomized the selfless leader of the American Revolution. Born to a prominent New York family, John Jay gained notoriety as a lawyer in his home state.

Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers eLessons Federalist No. 1 Federalist No. 26 Brutus No. 1