The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, Clinton Rossiter Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics)
Book Review: America's Third Most Important Written Work After The Constitution And The Declaration of Independence
Summary: 5 Stars
An able demonstration of the genius within the minds of Hamilton, Madison and others among our early governmental officials. The Federalist Papers is a scholarly work of remarkable erudition that aggressively, unapologetically, and cogently defines the United States Constitution according to Federalist views, proposes changes and limits to it, and advocates points of view regarding its implementation and continued practicality in a nation rife with disagreement among its varying ideologies and regions. The Federalist Papers were composed by men who supported something akin to a meritocracy, but a meritocracy defined by birth status, wealth, and social prominence rather than non-status-borne achievement or the ability to appeal to the voting citizenry of the nation. Aspects of this system hold tremendous worth and have been of incalculable influence on the operation of the American nation for two centuries. However, untempered by an opposing party more in favor of a representative democracy participated in by all peoples low and high, the Federalist position as espoused in the Papers could readily have resulted in tyranny and a nation unrecognizable as the one envisioned by most of our nation's founders and diametrically unlike the one we have today. Neither Lincoln nor Reagan nor Clinton, for example, would likely have become President under a political system sought by Federalists. However, the Federalist Papers themselves as an early example of American citizens (albeit aristocratic citizens) impacting the national government show that our mutable, dynamic Constitution works well in bending to the needs and wants of the people it binds. Although I found these essays to be among the most difficult reading of my life, I am not unmindful of their merit and do not regret the investment of much time, effort, and disciplined devotion it took me to get through them. I would even go so far as to say it is a shame The Federalist Papers is not taught more than it is in today's schools, although in small pieces, as an ongoing enhancement of the curriculum rather than as a single reading assignment.Book Review: If you are an American and haven't read this then don't complain
Summary: 1 Stars
An absolute must read or re-read by all Supreme Court Justices. An absolute must teach in junior high school.
The Federalist Papers demonstrate the quality of thinking by it's authors and makes a case for classical education. These men thought about alternatives and had a view of history almost unrivaled today. They helped establish a document that will be the model for civilizations 1,000 years from now. I am in awe of the clarity of thinking.
Book Review: Federalist Papers
Summary: 5 Stars
The ratification of our Constitution, Bill of Rights,speaks for the three primary authors ("Publius")and their effectiveness: John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.We doubt the current President has any memory of these arguments. Too badBook Review: Understanding The Founders Reasoning
Summary: 5 Stars
Before the ratification of the Constitution of 1787, three of its Framers, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, published a series of articles called The Federalist in a New York paper under the pen name of "Publius." These articles are now published as The Federalist Papers. Publius' intent was to defend the proposed Constitution by explaining its overall integrity and the republican government it would establish. Ironically, one of Publius' intents was to defend the Constitution against the argument it was too weak to withstand those who would subvert republicanism in favor of some form of aristocratic domination.
Sadly, not many read this work, despite the fact that it is one of the few documents that define what the founders' intent really was. This omission has not stopped many from espousing their (lack of) knowledge of that intent. The casual reader can be put off by the size of the work, 85 articles, and the seriousness of the articles. This work was intended for serous people. However, one can approach it with a pen and yellow highlighter and LEARN its wisdom or the more casual reader can let the Introduction guide them to the pieces that interest them.
These casual readers will learn The Federalist Papers are divided into two divisions, each with different themes. The first division addresses the issue of a "firm" and "well-constructed" Union as opposed to a lose confederation of states. This division then addresses how the constitution is protected from the founders' anticipated accidental and intentional threats and answers: what the respective purposes of the Union and the Constitution are; what should be done with society's will; the problem of politics; and even the issues of taxes and maintaining an army. All of these together described the function of government as defined by the Constitution.
In the second division, The Federalist Papers move from the basic function of government to the structure of the American government and using that structure to secure society's common good, the people's happiness, and the public good. All this is accomplished using a moderate tone that makes the reader part of the discourse and not the object of a lecture. This is a constitution aimed at the public in many ways.
So at heart, The Federalist Papers is a guide to the Constitution intended for the casual reader, a reader who can pick and chose those elements that are meaningful.
Book Review: Important Reading for Americans.
Summary: 4 Stars
If you're American these papers are important reading. They were drafted by three important historical figures during the forming of the original 13 states. These papers were drawn up in order to encourage other states to join the Union. After the drafting of the Constitution of the United States in 1787, only Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey had joined. These papers appeared in New York journal's and were impassioned pleas for other states to join the Union. I am Canadian, but I read these papers with great interest. The majority of them were written by Alexander Hamilton, and he is an impassioned and charismatic writer. Good history lesson here.