The Federalist Papers — Hamilton, Madison & Jay

Description

The Federalist Papers — 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in 1787-88 to advocate for the ratification of the United States Constitution. One of the most important works of political philosophy ever written, the Federalist Papers explain the principles of republican government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism that underpin American democracy. Essential reading for anyone interested in political theory and the foundations of modern democracy.

Excerpt

Federalist No. 1 — General Introduction
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.