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Title: The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics)
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Manufacturer: Signet Classics
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| The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Signet Classics Important outline of American government | The Federalist Papers were incredibly important in the ratification of the Constitution. Published in New York, and in installments the papers are very influential in American Politics.
The Authors of the Federalist Papers are an interesting group. Madison and Hamilton did not have the same political views, but it is very difficult to tell the difference between their writings. The reason for this is the persona of Publius (An ancient Roman) that was taken on by both Hamilton and Madison.
The Federalist Papers outlined the ideas and the powers of the new government. This book is outstanding because it has a guide to the papers. Some of the historical references and language which was used at the time of the publication are not understood by most readers of the 21st century and the guide and explanation of these ideas makes this book a gem. The introduction and editing are highly readable and emphasize the great importance the Federalist Papers had on the forming of the United States.
This is a must read for students of American History (and look at all the papers not just the infamous number 10, many others are worth reading). | | The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Signet Classics Ideas that established a firm foundation for this country | The essays themselves are repetitive but the 72 page long Editor's Introduction is a well summarized explanation of the essence of those essays.
| | The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Signet Classics A good preamble to the Constitution | "The Federalist Papers" is a good preamble to how our Constitution came to be written by giving us the thought processes Madison, Hamilton, and Jay expressed while they were defending reasons for replacing the Articles of Confederation. Although I haven't finished reading all the papers, I've already learned many things and dispelled several preconceptions about our Constitution that I had previously thought was fact. For instance, our Constitution has intentionally created in it a 'factional' system (first defended by Madison in Paper No. 9) that promotes discord and disharmony. The factions are designed to prevent the majority from totally controlling the federal government so that minorities can have an almost equal sway over all governing facets. The thought process here has to do with experiences of Athens and other pure democracies that ultimately turned into a rule by mob mentality. Another interesting point is Publius's accounts of social norms of the day, and his assumption that these norms would continue on and on which is a fallacy in today's Union with it's limitless special interests, both monied and pauperism, and the politically correct idea of diversity being a good thing for our society. Publius had no idea of Communism or Socialism and what that type of faction could cause in creating havoc in this country and our government.
If my opinion is worth anything to anyone, reading these papers along with the Antifederalist papers is well worth one's time for the reasons I've stated above plus many more. | | The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Signet Classics Both insightful analysis and great propaganda! |
The Federalist papers were written as a part of the campaign to get the Constitution ratified in the American states. In New York, the final decision was in doubt, and Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote a series of essays, published in the media of the time, to convince New York to ratify the Constitution. Jay became ill, and did not participate in this project as much as Hamilton (a New Yorker) or Madison (a Virginian). In the process, their propaganda also illuminated important themes emanating from the document being debated. As a result the Federalist papers are a rich source of understanding the logic and premises of the Constitution (but keep in mind the political purpose behind these documents).
This is a fine version, with Rossiter being one of the deans of these documents. But it is the essays themselves that are most important. Let's take a look at a few issues emerging from these documents, to see what is at stake. . . .
One juxtaposition is between Federalist # 9 and # 10. # 9 was written by Hamilton, and addresses how to deal with factions and discontent: He wanted a stronger central government that could suppress such threats to stability. # 10, on the other hand, is a much more subtle effort by Madison to address the same issue (no wonder the two of them became political enemies shortly thereafter). He felt that a republic over a large area would keep factions from becoming too dominant. He was more trusting of processes than was Hamilton. If you want to understand the brilliance of Madison, read Federalist # 10; it is a seminal document.
# 47 and # 48 provide the rationale for two hallmarks of the American system: separation of powers (by which Congress, the courts, and the President have different sources of power) and checks and balances (the ability of each of the three branches to "check" the other, e.g., Presidential veto over Congressional laws or Congress being able to override said veto). #51 is even more explicit, with a near poetic turn by Madison. "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. . . .If men were angels, no government would be necessary. . . ." In short, political figures may try to use the political system for their own advantage. By creating a government where such ambitions can be thwarted by others, you prevent evil effects of such ambition. Thus, checks and balances and separation of powers can deter misuse of power.
And there is so much more in this volume. Hamilton, in #69 and # 70 indicates why a vigorous executive (President) is a plus for the proposed government. Just so, Hamilton in # 78 speaks of the role of the Supreme Court and the whole court system.
The Federalist Papers are key documents regarding the Constitution. One must recognize their political purposes; one must understand that there are internal inconsistencies (compare, again, # 9 and # 10); one must take into account the extreme time pressures on the authors as New York's ratifying convention's meeting loomed. Nonetheless, this is an important document and provides genuine insights into the minds of the Founders.
| | The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Signet Classics Pro-corporate | | "Federal", as in "federation" and "league", relates to commercial entities and commercial contract. Keep in mind, the United States is not a country but a corporation with no jurisdiction outside it's "ten mile square" district and the 18 enumerated functions of Congress Assembled (aka The United States). | | The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Signet Classics Product Description | The documents thatshaped a nation.
Three of the founding fathers brilliantly defend their revolutionary charter: the Constitution of the United States, a milestone in political science and a classic of American history. |
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