Federalist Papers Flashcards
Brutus No. 1 Basic philosophy
First publication that began the series of essays known as the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers. In Brutus No.1 the anonymous author posed a series of questions about and critiques of the then proposed Constitution.
Main critiques included that the proposed national government held too much power, a standing army could diminish liberty, and representatives would not truly represent the people.
Brutus No. 1 Major dissent
The Federalist Papers were an attempt to answer the questions and assuage the concerns posed by Brutus and other Anti-Federalist writers.
Federalist No.10 Basic philosphy
James Madison addressed the dangers of factionalism and how to protect minority factions in a nation founded on a majority rule. Madison argued that a large republic ensure multiple factions so as to avoid any one faction taking control, which could lead to suppression of minority opinion
Federalist No.10 Major dissent
Anti-Federalists argued that Madison’s claims were naive, as a nation with multiple factions would never form the “perfect union” proclaimed in the constitution. Anti-Federalists believed that no nation larger than one of the states could survive for so long. They believed that states seperated interests would tear them apart, as happened during the civil war
Federalist No.51 Basic philosophy
James Madison argued that the separation of powers and checks and balances would guarantee that no one faction would take total control of the national government.
Federalist No.51 Major dissent
Anti-Federalists claimed that there was no perfect way to separate powers and that, eventually, one branch of government would hold more power
Federalist No.70 Basic Philosophy
Alexander Hamilton argued that the executive branch should consist of a single person, a president. Hamilton, went a step further by proposing term limits as another check on the executives power.
Federalist No.70 Major Dissent
Anti-Federalists critics claimed that with executive powers vested in one person, only the president’s “minions” would influence him. Other Anti-Federalists were alarmed at the prospect of giving control of the military to a single person.
Federalist No.78 Basic Philosophy
Alexander Hamilton addressed Anti-Federalist critiques on the power of the federal judiciary by arguing that under the constitution, the judicial Branch would have the least amount of power. Even so, Hamilton reaffirmed that the Judicial Branch would have the power of judicial review, acting as a check on Congress
Federalist No.78 Major Dissent
Anti-Federalists argued that a federal judiciary would overshadow the states’ judicial systems, making state courts all put powerless. Also, Anti-Federalists claimed that federal judges lifetime appointments could lead to corruption
