Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers

Understanding The Federalist Papers starts with knowing who wrote them; going back to 1787 to meet Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay to find out what challenges they face in communicating the need for the new U.S. Constitution.

The framers of the Constitution of the U.S. believe pure democracy is something to be feared for the way it will lead to the rise of factions, learning if it is possible to create a new model that offers the benefits of representative democracy.

When the framers gather in Philadelphia to write a new constitution, they represent a loose federation of nation-states; their original charge is to modify the Articles of Confederation; they examine the compromises that Madison and Hamilton make.

Learning how the American federal system is formed despite the challenges of 1787; the framers solve the issues; reviewing the powers of the federal government; exploring how power is balanced between the states and the federal government.

The new constitution gives the federal government the ability to determine the scope of its own powers, and learning the checks the system places on the federal government and who gets to decide if the federal government has violated its powers.

The idea of popular sovereignty reshapes the relationship between the states and the federal government; learning the relationship of the states to the federal government; studying how the institution of slavery is the catalyst for a crisis.

In papers 47 through 51 of The Federalist Papers, James Madison explains why the concept of separation of powers is key to the future of the American government; the five essays explain the concept and Madison's optimism about America's future.

James Madison believes that the legislature poses a risk to the integrity of the system which the framers have designed; in The Federalist Papers, he warns about the legislature seizing power, as well as the solution of a bicameral legislature.

Shifting attention from the legislature to the chief executive; learning in the exploration of The Federalist Papers that the Framers have a different view of the presidency; Alexander Hamilton's essays about the office and powers of the president.

An in-depth look at the federal judiciary, one of the three branches of the federal government; the Framers believe the judiciary is least likely to infringe on the liberty of the American people; its role and power; reviewing Marbury v. Madison.

A look at some of the most important ways the Constitution has evolved over the past 230 years; considering whether the changes largely honor the original spirit of the Constitution or break faith with the vision of the Framers.

Pondering the future of America's democratic republic; the gradual increase in federal power; the tension between federal and state power; whether there is a future for republican government; what a Second Constitutional Convention might look like.