Federalist Papers

Question 1

Federalist No. 10

Answer 1

An essay composed by James Madison which argues that liberty is safest in a large republic because many interests (factions) exist. Such diversity makes tyranny by the majority more difficult since ruling coalitions will always be unstable. (A filter/the more factions the more they will cancel each other out)

Question 2

Federalist No. 51

Answer 2

An essay written by James Madison that explained how the structure of the new government under the Constitution would provide the necessary checks and balances to keep the government from becoming too powerful (1788).

Question 3

Federalist No. 70

Answer 3

Alexander Hamilton was arguing for the idea of a unitary executive stated in the Constitution. What was Hamilton’s evidence in Federalist #70? The ingredients which constitute energy in the executive are unity, duration, an adequate provision for its support and competent powers.

Question 4

Federalist No. 78

Answer 4

discusses the power of judicial review. It argues that the federal courts have the duty to determine whether acts of Congress are constitutional and to follow the Constitution when there is inconsistency. Hamilton viewed this as a protection against abuse of power by Congress.