Federalist Papers

by Alexander Hamilton; James Madison; John Jay

Publisher:

Faithlife

, 1998

(9)

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Overview

In the late 1780s, when a new Constitution, intended to replace the Articles of Confederation, had been completed at the Philadelphia Convention, a nation-wide debate was sparked. Some argued that the Constitution was the best way to maintain unity amongst the states. Others argued that it would lead to a tyrannical government which would encroach on individual liberties.

Among those who weighed in on the issue were celebrated statesmen and nationalists, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Together, they wrote a series of letters to newspapers under the pseudonym “Publius,” arguing that the Constitution would preserve the Union and empower the federal government to act decisively in the national interest.

Filled with compelling arguments and elegant rhetoric, these papers were widely read, and played an enormous role in the ratification of the Constitution. Published in book form as The Federalist in 1788, these essays are an excellent reference for anyone who wants to understand the US Constitution.

In the digital edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

Presents the complete text of all 85 Federalist Papers
Offers a window into the political and historical climate of the early United States
Provides powerful and comprehensive exposition of the role of and need for the Constitution

Top Highlights

“It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.” (source)

“Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers.” (source)

“On the other hand, it will be equally forgotten that the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.” (source)

“The inference to which we are brought is, that the causes of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects.” (source)

Praise for the Print Edition

[An] incomparable exposition of the Constitution, a classic in political science unsurpassed in both breadth and depth by the product of any later American writer.”

—Richard B. Morris, historian