Fedealist Papers to know

Federalist No. 10

Main idea: A large republic controls factions.

James Madison argued that factions are groups of people united by shared interests who may work against the rights of others or the public good. Because factions cannot be eliminated without destroying liberty, the government must control their effects. A large republic contains many competing interests, making it harder for one faction to dominate.

• Key concept: Factions and pluralism.

• AP exam connection: A large republic protects minority rights by making majority domination more difficult.

Remember: Many competing groups = less chance one group takes over.

Federalist No. 39

Main idea: The United States is both a republic and a federal system.

James Madison explained that the Constitution establishes a republican government because political authority comes from the people through elected representatives. He also explained that the government is partly national and partly federal: some powers operate nationally, while others preserve the role of the states.

• Key concepts: Republicanism, popular sovereignty, federalism.

• AP exam connection: The Constitution divides authority between the national and state governments.

Remember: People choose representatives, and power is shared between national and state governments.

Federalist No. 51

Main idea: Checks and balances prevent government abuse.

James Madison argued that government must be designed so that no branch can easily dominate the others. Separating legislative, executive, and judicial powers helps prevent tyranny. Each branch needs enough independence and authority to check the others.

His famous principle is that “ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”

• Key concepts: Separation of powers, checks and balances.

• AP exam connection: The president can veto legislation, Congress can override vetoes, and the judiciary can review laws and government actions.

Remember: Each branch checks the others so no branch becomes too powerful.

Federalist No. 70

Main idea: The country needs a strong, energetic executive.

Alexander Hamilton argued that an effective government needs a president who can act decisively, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and provide consistent leadership. He supported a single executive rather than a committee of several executives because one president makes responsibility easier to identify.

• Key concepts: Executive unity, energy, accountability.

• AP exam connection: A single president can act efficiently, and voters can more clearly hold that president accountable.

Remember: One president = stronger leadership and clearer responsibility.

Federalist No. 78

Main idea: The judiciary needs independence to protect the Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton argued that courts must be independent from political pressure so judges can apply the Constitution fairly. Federal judges' life tenure during good behavior helps protect that independence. He also argued that the Constitution is superior to ordinary laws, so courts should follow the Constitution when the two conflict.

• Key concepts: Judicial independence and constitutional interpretation.

• AP exam connection: Supports the constitutional reasoning behind judicial review, although the specific power of judicial review is famously demonstrated in Marbury v. Madison.

Remember: Independent judges can uphold the Constitution even when politicians disagree.

Brutus No. 1

Main idea: A large republic and a powerful national government threaten liberty.

Brutus opposed ratifying the Constitution because he feared that a large national government would become too powerful and distant from ordinary citizens. He believed a large republic would struggle to represent the many different interests of its people. He preferred stronger state governments because they would be closer to the people.

• Key concepts: Anti-Federalism, states' rights, limited national power.

• AP exam connection: Brutus provides the opposing argument to Federalist No. 10 and helps explain concerns about ratification.

Remember: A large republic risks concentrating power far away from the people.