The Federalist Papers

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Overview

The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, brilliantly defend what was in their day a revolutionary charter--the Constitution of the United States. The Federalist Papers explain the complexities of a constitutional government its political structure and sprinciples based on the inherent rights of man. Scholars have long regarded this work as a milestone in political science and a classic of American political theory.

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Overview

The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, brilliantly defend what was in their day a revolutionary charter--the Constitution of the United States. The Federalist Papers explain the complexities of a constitutional government its political structure and sprinciples based on the inherent rights of man. Scholars have long regarded this work as a milestone in political science and a classic of American political theory.

The Mentor Federalist Papers is based on the original McLean edition of 1788.

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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780899666952
  • Publisher: Buccaneer Books, Inc.
  • Publication date: 11/28/1995
  • Pages: 483
  • Sales rank: 495,271
  • Lexile: 1450L (what's this?)
  • Product dimensions: 5.78 (w) x 8.78 (h) x 1.27 (d)

Meet the Author


Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) was born in the West Indies, the illegitimate child of a Scottish merchant. He came to the American colonies to study at King's College (now Columbia University) and became an early and ardent supporter of the Revolutionary cause. During the Revolutionary War, he was the aide-de-camp to George Washington and a member of the Continental Congress. He was a leading figure at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and a principal author of The Federalist Papers. As the first secretary of the treasury of the United States, Hamilton articulated a policy of protection for manufacturing interests, strong central government, and establishment of a national bank. After leaving the Cabinet, he practiced law in New York. His personal attacks hindered the political career of the volatile Aaron Burr, who finally challenged him to a duel in 1804. Hamilton was shot and died of his wounds. James Madison (1751-1836) was the son of a Virginia planter. He worked for the Revolutionary cause as a member of the Continental Congress and the Virginia House of Delegates. The leader of deliberations at the Constitutional Convention, he fought for the adoption of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Through an ally of Alexander Hamilton on the Constitution, he was a supporter of Thomas Jefferson's agrarian policies. He was Jefferson's secretary of state and his successor as president, but his presidency was marred by the unpopular War of 1812. John Jay (1745-1829) was a conservative lawyer who became a leading patriot. He served as minister to Spain, became the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and negotiated the treaty of 1795 between the United States and Britain. His contributions to The Federalist Papers concern foreign affairs. Arthur Morey has recorded over one hundred audiobooks, winning AudioFile Earphones and Best Voice Awards, as well as an Audie nomination. He has performed fiction by John Updike, John Irving, Richard Russo, Julie Orringer, and Jack Vance. Nonfiction titles include The Informant, Unlikely Allies, Citizens of London, and Munich 1938. Arthur attended Harvard University and the University of Chicago and has performed Off-Broadway, Off-Loop, and in Italy. He taught writing at Northwestern University for ten years and also works as an editor and ghostwriter.
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Read an Excerpt

The Federalist No. 1: Hamilton

October 27, 1787

To the People of the State of New York.

After an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting Federal Government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences, nothing less than the existence of the Union, the safety and welfare of the parts of which it is composed, the fate of an empire, in many respects, the most interesting in the world. 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. If there be any truth in the remark, the crisis, at which we are arrived, may with propriety be regarded as the æra in which that decision is to be made; and a wrong election of the part we shall act, may, in this view, deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind.

This idea will add the inducements of philanthropy to those of patriotism to heighten the solicitude, which all considerate and good men must feel for the event. Happy will it be if our choice should be directed by a judicious estimate of our true interests, unperplexed and unbiassed by considerations not connected with the public good. But this is a thing more ardently to be wished than seriously to be expected. The plan offered to our deliberations, affects too many particular interests, innovates upon too many local institutions, not to involve in its discussion a variety of objects foreign to its merits, and of views, passions and prejudices little favourable to the discovery of truth.

Among the most formidable of the obstacles which the new Constitution will have to encounter, may readily be distinguished the obvious interest of a certain class of men in every State to resist all changes which may hazard a diminution of the power, emolument and consequence of the offices they hold under the State-establishments-and the perverted ambition of another class of men, who will either hope to aggrandise themselves by the confusions of their country, or will flatter themselves with fairer prospects of elevation from the subdivision of the empire into several partial confederacies, than from its union under one government.

It is not, however, my design to dwell upon observations of this nature. I am well aware that it would be disingenuous to resolve indiscriminately the opposition of any set of men (merely because their situations might subject them to suspicion) into interested or ambitious views: Candour will oblige us to admit, that even such men may be actuated by upright intentions; and it cannot be doubted that much of the opposition which has made its appearance, or may hereafter make its appearance, will spring from sources, blameless at least, if not respectable, the honest errors of minds led astray by preconceived jealousies and fears. So numerous indeed and so powerful are the causes, which serve to give a false bias to the judgment, that we upon many occasions, see wise and good men on the wrong as well as on the right side of questions, of the first magnitude to society. This circumstance, if duly attended to, would furnish a lesson of moderation to those, who are ever so much persuaded of their being in the right, in any controversy. And a further reason for caution, in this respect, might be drawn from the reflection, that we are not always sure, that those who advocate the truth are influenced by purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives, not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as upon those who oppose the right side of a question. Were there not even these inducements to moderation, nothing could be more illjudged than that intolerant spirit, which has, at all times, characterised political parties. For, in politics as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.

And yet however just these sentiments will be allowed to be, we have already sufficient indications, that it will happen in this as in all former cases of great national discussion. A torrent of angry and malignant passions will be let loose. To judge from the conduct of the opposite parties, we shall be led to conclude, that they will mutually hope to evince the justness of their opinions, and to increase the number of their converts by the loudness of their declamations, and by the bitterness of their invectives. An enlightened zeal for the energy and efficiency of government will be stigmatized, as the off-spring of a temper fond of despotic power and hostile to the principles of liberty. An overscrupulous jealousy of danger to the rights of the people, which is more commonly the fault of the head than of the heart, will be represented as mere pretence and artifice; the bait for popularity at the expence of public good. It will be forgotten, on the one hand, that jealousy is the usual concomitant of violent love, and that the noble enthusiasm of liberty is too apt to be infected with a spirit of narrow and illiberal distrust. On the other hand, it will be equally forgotten, that the vigour 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 forbidding 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.

In the course of the preceeding observations I have had an eye, my Fellow Citizens, to putting you upon your guard against all attempts, from whatever quarter, to influence your decision in a matter of the utmost moment to your welfare by any impressions other than those which may result from the evidence of truth. You will, no doubt, at the same time, have collected from the general scope of them that they proceed from a source not unfriendly to the new Constitution. Yes, my Countrymen, I own to you, that, after having given it an attentive consideration, I am clearly of opinion, it is your interest to adopt it. I am convinced, that this is the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness. I effect not reserves, which I do not feel. I will not amuse you with an appearance of deliberation, when I have decided. I frankly acknowledge to you my convictions, and I will freely lay before you the reasons on which they are founded. The consciousness of good intentions disdains ambiguity. I shall not however multiply professions on this head. My motives must remain in the depository of my own breast: My arguments will be open to all, and may be judged of by all. They shall at least be offered in a spirit, which will not disgrace the cause of truth.

I propose in a series of papers to discuss the following interesting particulars-The utility of the Union to your political prosperity-The insufficiency of the present Confederation to preserve that Union-The necessity of a government at least equally energetic with the one proposed to the attainment of this object-The conformity of the proposed constitution to the true principles of republican government-Its analogy to your own state constitution-and lastly, The additional security, which its adoption will afford to the preservation of that species of government, to liberty and to property.

In the progress of this discussion I shall endeavour to give a satisfactory answer to all the objections which shall have made their appearance that may seem to have any claim to your attention.

It may perhaps be thought superfluous to offer arguments to prove the utility of the Union, a point, no doubt, deeply engraved on the hearts of the great body of the people in every state, and one, which it may be imagined has no adversaries. But the fact is, that we already hear it whispered in the private circles of those who oppose the new constitution, that the Thirteen States are of too great extent for any general system, and that we must of necessity resort to separate confederacies of distinct portions of the whole.1 This doctrine will, in all probability, be gradually propagated, till it has votaries enough to countenance an open avowal of it. For nothing can be more evident, to those who are able to take an enlarged view of the subject, than the alternative of an adoption of the new Constitution, or a dismemberment of the Union. It will therefore be of use to begin by examining the advantages of that Union, the certain evils and the probable dangers, to which every State will be exposed from its dissolution. This shall accordingly constitute the subject of my next address.

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Table of Contents

Introduction The Federalist Then and Now Ian Shapiro Shapiro, Ian

Texts

The Federalist Papers 3

The Articles of Confederation 446

The Constitution of the United States of America 456

Amendments to the Constitution of the United States 470

Essays

Unmanifest Destiny John Dunn Dunn, John 483

The Federalist Abroad in the World Donald L. Horowitz Horowitz, Donald L. 502

Protofeminist Responses to the Federalist-Antifederalist Debate Eileen Hunt Botting Botting, Eileen Hunt 533

Index 559

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 180 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(82)

4 Star

(46)

3 Star

(22)

2 Star

(6)

1 Star

(24)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 180 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 26, 2006

    A Work of Incalculable Importance...

    To say that The Federalist Papers is a work of great importance is an understatement in many ways. First, it is a classic volume of political theory...indeed it is America's great contribution to political theory. The Federalist Papers stand alongside Leviathan,, Two Treatises, The Social Contract, and The Spirit of the Laws as the great works of the age. Second, it is the first and best defense for constitutionalism, particularly, the American Constitution, which it promoted with unwavering and ferocious ardor. What few people outside the scholastic disciplines of American history, political theory, and American jurisprudence realize is how majestic and remarkable the American Constitution and all that encompasses it really are. When the Articles of Confederation failed, the need for a new document outlining a better system of government was needed. What emerged from the 1787 Philadelphia convention was grander and more misunderstood than anyone could have envisioned. Indeed, Sir William Pitt, the famous English Parliamentarian and jurist said of the American efforts , 'It will be the wonder and admiration of all future generations, and the model of all future constitutions.' Even more remarkable is that such a radical document, formulated as the result of debate and compromise, was ever ratified. America's radical experiment may never have seen the light of day were it not for the eloquent and brilliant arguments proffered by Publius. In careful study of the making of this remarkable document, one can begin to appreciate how unique the American experience really is begins to emerge. The nature of Publius' arguments is testament to The Federalist Papers universal and immortal impact. These essays are the definitive argument for Republican democracy, and, indeed, self-government and the notion of a government which operated under the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence. The Federalist Papers, along with a few other documents (The Declaration of Independence, the writings of James Wilson, and the great speeches of Lincoln, form elegant and eloquent testament to why democracy should work. Than I can write this unworthy and insignificant missive is testament to why these great men, Publius and all the rest, were right.

    34 out of 34 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 26, 2005

    America's Greatest Piece of Political Theory

    The Federalist is a must read for anyone interested in the origins of US government, American political values, the history of colonial America or Democracy. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay authored the 85 part piece as letters to the editor to gain public support for the new consititution. This gives it a comprehensive and admittedly (by the author(s)) repetitive look at the reasoning behind every decision made in writing the Constitution. It provides an explanation for American government, but it's true strength as a work of political theory is that it articulates American political values by it creating them, rather than by reporting them through a historical lens. Finally, while reading the book, any student of American history or politics can not stray from the importance of the work. I still find it awe inspiring thinking that it was written by some of America's greatest minds, and even today has an undeniable influence on the world's oldest democracy.

    20 out of 21 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 4, 2002

    Superb

    A must read for those who claim to understand the constitution. It must be read with the counterpoints however. Recomended: The Essential Antifederalist by Lloyd & Allen.

    16 out of 20 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 28, 2011

    REQUIRED READING

    Every American citizen should be required to read this. PARTICULARLY those in Washington who want to believe that everything this country was founded on is open to their 'progressive' interpretation and worse, their modification. It will take all we have to undo all the Hope and Change and put this country back on solid footing.

    9 out of 20 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 19, 2009

    Great book

    This book is good for reference and research, it's a glimpse into what happened in the founding of our great nation.

    5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 2, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    Every citizen should have a copy.

    This should be taught in the elementary schools. Every citizen should have a copy for reference.

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 19, 2011

    A must for Patriots.

    This collection is a must for those who want to know the intention of our founders Constitution and Country.

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 23, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Historical in Nature

    This is basically historical in nature and provides information about all aspects of the Constitution. Otherwise, it will just remain on the bookshelf or passed on to someone who is taking a political science course.

    4 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 17, 2012

    everyone should own and read this !!!``

    one of the most important pieces of info leading to understanding the constitution and the founding of our country !

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 27, 2000

    Wow! Great Book!

    This is a copy of the essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay; it has a great introduction. It's wonderful.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted July 20, 2012

    REQUIRED READING

    An essential document for understanding the creation of our basic document, the Constiution.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 8, 2012

    Cannot open the last pages

    Its Very sad that the last ten or so pages do not open! Fix it!!!!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 15, 2012

    Great Compilation

    This work combines many of the critical founding documents into a one stop source for reading. It's well worth the 99 cents for the ability to cross reference items within the same text.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 19, 2012

    Must read for anyone who wants to understand our Constitution

    The Federalist Papers are as timely today as they were when they were written. Historical context is essential to an understanding of our Constitution and to understanding why the Constitution is still relevant today.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 30, 2012

    A must read for anyone wondering why our current government seems so off course.

    "The Federalist Papers" gives a unique insight into the true nature of our Democratic Republic in its first , fledgling moments. The writings in this book show the words of the original authors of the time, local and national news stories which tracked the development of our original constitution, and how it was presented to the people of our early nation. While there were many points of view, and a variety of different bills, proposals, and potential laws which were presented by our founding Fathers, their writings most certainly show the overwhelming intent of the founders was to provide for the establishment of a smaller central government while allowing the individual states to have a much greater control over their own decisions and destiny. These writings also address the many different contentions which were boiling within our union...the choice to break away as a colony from Great Britain, the issues of taxation and representation, should we establish a monarchy, have a national emperor, the establishment of state-based congresses and senates, and many other topics which both helped to form and to challenge the existence of what we know as The United States of America. For those who have always been of the opinion that the federal government we know today is exactly what our founding Fathers had envisioned, this book is a harsh reality check and a testament as to how far off track we have come since the original draft of our Constitution was penned. Although the language may not be so easy to understand from our 21st century perspective, the ideas conveyed are clear and concise and should be a must read for all high school and college students, as well as anyone who ever wondered if we - as a nation and a people - are really doing the right thing.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 14, 2012

    So Handy!

    Really pleased with this purchase. I have the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Federalist Papers all in one place, right here, in my Nook. Personal reading, meetings, discussions - it has them all covered. Great bargain!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 6, 2011

    The Federalist papers

    It was very informative and concise. I'm sure I will use it often for material

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted May 8, 2010

    The Foundation of Liberty

    Hamilton, Madison and Jay artfully carve out in 85 essays such clarity as to why the Constitution must be ratified. For any individual concerned with the cause of liberty, these essays need form the center of one's American History library as they are written in such eloquent language and with such intellectual power. To doubt their veracity is to doubt the necessity of our fine Confederate Republic. How proud it is to be an American and to read the genius of our Founding Fathers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 13, 2013

    Pages missing

    Last 10 or so pages missing!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 12, 2013

    Great Book!

    A must read.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
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