The Federalist Papers: Ratification Of The Constitution

The Federalist Papers

By definition, The Federalist Papers can be referred to as a collection eighty-five essays that appeared in the New York press in 1787-1788 in support of the Constitution; written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay and published under the pseudonym “Publius”. (Give Me Liberty!) Despite the accuracy in this definition, it does not give these papers the acknowledgement they deserve. The Federalist Papers are considered one of the most important sources for interpreting and understanding the original intent of the Constitution. (loc.gov) Each of these eighty-five essays contain ideas and themes that are expressed in the ratification of the Constitution as well as the modern American government. One of the

For example, though the two main political parties are the Democratic and Republican party, there are many other parties, such as the Green Party, the Socialist Party, the Constitution Party, and the Libertarian Party. During this time period, both supporters and opponents of the Constitution were concerned with the political instability produced by rival factions. The state governments had not succeeded in solving this problem; in fact, the situation

One dominant objection to the Constitution during this time period is that violates this important principle. Opponents of the Constitution claimed that power was unevenly distributed, and that the three branches of government were not adequately separate and independent. Madison agrees with those who focus on the importance of the Separation of Powers, especially the idea that an unequal distribution of power could eliminate people's’ liberty. He even states, “[A]ccumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary in the same hands … may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” (The Federalist) Madison recognized that if one branch had too much power, the outcome could be a government analogous to tyranny. However, he is still convinced that change to this Separation of Powers should not be supported. (gradesaver.com) He argues that if the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branch were too separated, they would not work together as a whole. As stated by James Madison, through the Separation of Powers ans well as the system of Checks and Balances to manage power, the three branches of government should be "so far connected and blended, as to give to each a constitutional control over the others." (The Federalist) Though they each have power over the others, through the Constitution,