Category — Federalist

In Federalist 30, Hamilton argues for the power of direct taxation by the federal government, rather than the system of requisition from the States as under the Articles of Confederation.   Read the rest of this entry »

Federalist 29 addresses arguments about the supremacy of the federal government in directing the State militias. Hamilton attempts to refute the notion that the militia is the only avenue for enforcing law. He also rebuts the notion that a despot would choose a militia as a practical vehicle for achieving his aims.   Read the rest of this entry »

It is interesting to look at the Federalists through the lens of history. Hamilton, Madison and Jay were frequently spot on with their observations and predictions. Some of Hamilton's arguments are a little hard to follow in their logic, but in spite of his occasional rhetorical license, he was right more often than not.   Read the rest of this entry »

In this essay, Hamilton continues his arguments for an empowered federal government. This time his argument revolves around the proposition that the dangers of federal forces are the same faced by governments of any size. Furthermore, the people are better off if they can play the federal government off against the state governments, siding with one or the other to prevent usurpation by either.   Read the rest of this entry »

In this Federalist, Hamilton seeks to address concerns about the dangers of standing army. Many of his arguments are logical, but could also be applied to different ends. It is interesting to consider the connotations implied by some of the general principles that he lays out.   Read the rest of this entry »

In this essay, Hamilton continues his arguments for an empowered federal government, positing that a highly engaged and active government (within the bounds of its enumerated powers), would be more likely to keep the peace and not have to resort to exercising its power in order to enforce order.   Read the rest of this entry »

Some of the Federalist Papers are, well, a tad bit dry. However, if you dig deeply enough, it seems that there is always something to consider, that there is always at least one paragraph that piques your interest. Here is one such paragraph from Federalist No. 26.   Read the rest of this entry »

In this Federalist, Hamilton addresses the source of American suspicions about standing armies and where the power of establishing them resides according to the Constitution.   Read the rest of this entry »

In his new book, Mr. President How and Why the Founders Created a Chief Executive, Ray Raphael investigates the roots and evolution of the Executive Branch. For anyone wishing to understand how the presidency came to be what it is, this is the book to read.   Read the rest of this entry »

Aside from the obvious historical purpose, support for ratification of the Constitution, Hamilton's perspective is interesting to consider in terms of its ramifications for the present day. Federalist No. 25 contains several interesting assumptions and premises. It is for history to decide if Hamilton was right.   Read the rest of this entry »