The Federalist Papers
'The Federalist Papers' Summary
The Federal Convention (Constitutional Convention) sent the proposed Constitution to the Confederation Congress, which in turn submitted it to the states for ratification at the end of September 1787. On September 27, 1787, "Cato" first appeared in the New York press criticizing the proposition; "Brutus" followed on October 18, 1787. These and other articles and public letters critical of the new Constitution would eventually become known as the "Anti-Federalist Papers". In response, Alexander Hamilton decided to launch a measured defense and extensive explanation of the proposed Constitution to the people of the state of New York. He wrote in Federalist No. 1 that the series would "endeavor to give a satisfactory answer to all the objections which shall have made their appearance that may seem to have any claim to your attention."
Hamilton recruited collaborators for the project. He enlisted John Jay, who after four strong essays (Federalist Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5), fell ill and contributed only one more essay, Federalist No. 64, to the series. Jay also distilled his case into a pamphlet in the spring of 1788, An Address to the People of the State of New-York; Hamilton cited it approvingly in Federalist No. 85. James Madison, present in New York as a Virginia delegate to the Confederation Congress, was recruited by Hamilton and Jay and became Hamilton's primary collaborator. Gouverneur Morris and William Duer were also considered. However, Morris turned down the invitation, and Hamilton rejected three essays written by Duer. Duer later wrote in support of the three Federalist authors under the name "Philo-Publius", meaning either "Friend of the People" or "Friend of Hamilton" based on Hamilton's pen name Publius.
Alexander Hamilton chose the pseudonymous name "Publius". While many other pieces representing both sides of the constitutional debate were written under Roman names, historian Albert Furtwangler contends that "'Publius' was a cut above 'Caesar' or 'Brutus' or even 'Cato'. Publius Valerius helped found the ancient republic of Rome. His more famous name, Publicola, meant 'friend of the people'." Hamilton had applied this pseudonym to three letters in 1778, in which he attacked fellow Federalist Samuel Chase and revealed that Chase had taken advantage of knowledge gained in Congress to try to dominate the flour market.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1788Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Author
Alexander Hamilton
United States
Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757 – July 12, 1804) was an American statesman, politician, legal scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker, and economist. He was one of the Founding...
More on Alexander HamiltonJohn Hay
United States
sman and official whose career in government stretched over almost half a century. Beginning as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln, Hay's highest office was Unite...
More on John HayDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
Chopin: the Man and His Music by James Huneker
A biography of the Polish composer and virtuoso pianist Frédéric Chopin and a critical analysis of his work by American music writer and critic James...
John Bull's Vineyard: Australian Sketches by Hubert de Castella
The book is a collection of sketches and stories that offer a unique perspective on life in Australia during the late 19th century. De Castella, who...
The Boys' and Girls' Pliny Vol. 1 by Pliny the Elder
In a mesmerizing fusion of history, science, and adventure, 'The Boys' and Girls' Pliny Vol. 1' invites readers of all ages to delve into the captivat...
Montcalm and Wolfe, Volume 1 by Francis Parkman
Montcalm and Wolfe is the sixth volume in Francis Parkman's seven-volume history, France and England in North America, originally published in 1884. I...
Commentaries on the Laws of England. Book 4: Of Public Wrongs by William Blackstone
Delve into the fascinating world of legal intricacies with William Blackstone's "Commentaries on the Laws of England. Book 4: Of Public Wrongs," where...
Proposed Roads to Freedom by Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (1872 – 1970) was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, political activist and Nobel laureate. He led the...
Sabotage by Elizabeth Gurley Flynn
Elizabeth Gurley Flynn was a leading American socialist and feminist. Her book "Sabotage, the conscious withdrawal of the workers' industrial efficien...
Old and New Masters by Robert Lynd
Jane Austen, WB Yeats, Chesterton, Shaw... these are personal and intelligent short essays on a selection of great (and great-ish) writers: some well...
Of the Injustice of Counterfeiting Books by Immanuel Kant
This essay of Kant’s on copyright argues that the unlicensed copying of books cannot possibly be permissible, due to the fact that it assumes a consen...
The Chronicles of America Volume 06 - The Fathers of New England by Charles Morris
"In the crucible of a new land, the seeds of a nation were sown by steadfast Fathers. Unravel the compelling saga of 'The Fathers of New England,' whe...
Reviews for The Federalist Papers
No reviews posted or approved, yet...