The Story of The Federalist: How Hamilton and Madison Reconceived America

For the Constitution to become law, it first had to be ratified by the states. Throughout the nation, however, the Framers proposed new charter of government quickly engendered intense opposition. How was this opposition to be overcome, especially in the key battleground state of New York? Alexander Hamilton devised the strategy of defending the Constitution in a comprehensive series of essays, and he recruited James Madison to assist him that effort. The result was The Federalist, a treatment of political theory so profound that Thomas Jefferson would later hail it as the best commentary on the principles of government which was ever written. This book tells the story of The Federalist how it came to be, what it had to say, and why it continues to guide constitutional thought to the present day. This story has been written not only for students, lawyers and historians, but for all who seek to know more about America's uniquely enduring systems of government. Indeed, in the story of The Federalist lies much of the story of the nation a nation reconceived by Hamilton and Madison in writings that remain the cornerstone of American law. Summary of contents Part I: Framing the Federalist The Precipice of Anarchy Answering the Call Part II: The Rhetoric of Ratification The Logic of The Federalist Pathos, Ethos, and Publius Part III: Themes for a Nation Uniting the States Private Interest and Public Good The Rebirth of Republicanism Part IV: The Architecture of Equilibrium A Double Security The Most Dangerous Branch Energy in the Executive The Citadel of Justice Parchment Barriers and Individual Rights Part V: The Legacy of Publius