Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers -- AP Gov Prep

Who contributed in writing the Federalist Papers?

James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay under the alias name “Publius”

Who was James Madison?

American Statesman, diplomat, and fourth president of the Untied States (1809 - 1817)

Who was Alexander Hamilton

A founding father, promoter of national government, and first Secretary of the Treasury.

Who was John Jay?

American Statesman, diplomat, signatory of the Treaty of Paris, and Founding Father.

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To argue for the ratification of the Constitution—a document that allowed for a strong National Government.

Who wrote Federalist 10 and what was its argument?

Author: James Madison

Argument: That a large republic can effectively combat negative factionalism by providing a wider variety of interests. This prevents a single group from dominon.

One important quote from Federalist 10

“Liberty is to a faction what air is to fire.” — yes, free choice inhibits factionalism, but it would be disastrous to annihilate it.

Who wrote Federalist 51 and what was its argument?

Author: James Madison

Argument: The Constitution provides checks and balances to ensure that no single branch of government becomes too powerful, protecting the government from tyranny.

Two important quotes from Federalist 51

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary." and "The larger the society… the more duly capable it will be of self-governance.”

Who wrote Federalist 70 and what was its argument?

Author: Alexander Hamilton

Argument: A strong, unitary executive is necessary for government accountability (opposes weak executive under the Articles of Confederation).

Important quote from Federalist 70.

“A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of government.”

Who wrote Federalist 78 and what was its argument?

Author: Alexander Hamilton

Argument: An independent judiciary is necessary. The judiciary must have the power of judicial review to protect against legislative abuses. The Supreme Court must have the power to uphold the Constitution.

Who wrote Brutus 1 and what was its argument.

Author: Potentail Robert Yates, an anti-federalist

Argument: A strong national government eliminates state sovereignty, harming minority rights and promoting negative factionalism.

What did anti-federalists believe in?

Weak federal government, strong state government.

What did Federalists believe in?

Strong, national government that balances state powers and maintains order.