In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into a curated selection of The Federalist Papers, the seminal series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to argue for the Constitution. Rather than tackling all 85 essays, we focus on a thematic collection (#s 1, 9-10, 15, 30, 39, 51, 62-63, 68, and 78) that highlights the philosophical and structural pillars of the American experiment in self-government.
We begin with Hamilton’s General Introduction (No. 1), then explore how the proposed union protects against internal strife and faction (Nos. 9–10), and why the Articles of Confederation were inadequate (No. 15). We examine the central role of federal taxation (No. 30), the plan’s alignment with republican principles (No. 39), and the essential structure of checks and balances (No. 51).
We also explore the three branches of government through Madison’s defense of the Senate (Nos. 62–63), Hamilton’s thoughts on presidential elections (No. 68), and his case for an independent judiciary (No. 78).
Along the way, we consider the historical context: chaos under the Articles of Confederation, Enlightenment influences like Montesquieu, and why Democracy in America offers a fitting modern endnote. Join us as we revisit the founding debates that continue to shape the American constitutional imagination.
Endnotes:
-Hamilton
-Junius: The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students by Allan Bloom
-Wesley: Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
Our next read will be Peter Pan.
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