Federalist No. 13 is short but surprisingly interesting for a look into Hamilton's brilliant political perceptions. In this essay, Hamilton is again arguing for the efficacy of maintaining the Union. This time his argument revolves around the economies of scale to be realized in one government rather than in several confederacies. Along the way he predicts that should the union be dismembered, it would be split between North and South.   Read the rest of this entry »

This weeks crossword puzzle is derived from the words of Patrick Henry's most famous speech. Give me Liberty, or give me Death!   Read the rest of this entry »

Harlow Giles Unger's biography of Patrick Henry is an interesting portrait of an American Icon, an orator known as the Lion of Liberty. Unger's book covers Henry's essential role in the Revolution as well as his influence on the shape of the government under the Constitution.   Read the rest of this entry »

The guys over at Sentry Journal (who I’ve recently discovered) make a good point about learning from the past and use Washington’s words to do it.  (I wish I’d thought of it.)    H/T to them:

George Washington’s First …

  Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes we aren’t always highbrow! This week’s puzzle is based on Benjamin Franklin’s Famous, Advice On Choosing a Mistress. (included below) Enjoy!

If your browser doesn’t like the interactive flash below you can try the non-interactive image.

Advice

…   Read the rest of this entry »

H/T to Steve over at MCT for this post on the reading of the Constitution in Congress.   Read the rest of this entry »

In Federalist No. 12, Hamilton shows how a consolidated federal government would be more able to raise revenue than separate States or confederacies. He also previews some of his later actions as Treasury Secretary, including the creation of a "coast guard" and a tax on whiskey.   Read the rest of this entry »

This Friday's puzzle is based on words from the text of Washington's first inaugural address.   Read the rest of this entry »

Barbara Tuchman's book answers a question often asked by students of American history. How could the experienced and well-armed British Army lose the American Revolutionary War to a bunch of poorly trained farmers and shop keepers?   Read the rest of this entry »

This Friday's puzzle is from articles 4 - 6 of the US Constitution. Enjoy!   Read the rest of this entry »