THE FEDERALIST
By Alexander HAMILTON, James MADISON, John JAY
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The
Federalist,” Great Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J.
S. Mill
QUOTES FOR DISCUSSION
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE on Authors of The Federalist
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE on Authors of The Federalist
On the same day it was published, and immediately
beside it in the papers, appeared an attack upon the Constitution, signed by
Cato, who was known to be Governor Clinton. Thereafter, many of the most
powerful figures in New York political life, writing under the name of renowned
Romans, came out in opposition to the new instrument of government.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 23
ALEXANDER HAMILTON
Alexander Hamilton although only thirty years old
and an immigrant, was the natural leader for the New York supporters of the new
Constitution.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 23
... His youth useful talents at writing and
commerce we're so unusual that friends took up a collection and sent him to
America in 1772 to complete his education.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 23
He used his writing talents to defend the cause of
the Colonies during the events leading up to the Revolution, so successfully,
in fact, that two of his pamphlets were thought to be the work of Jay.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 23
With a thirst for military glory that was to
remain with him throughout his life, he took part in the New York campaign as
an artillery captain and won a place on Washington's staff. Washington employed him, however, for his
power with the pen, and for four years he was the General's private
secretary. In this position he became
acquainted with many of the most influential men in the states and learned at
first hand the weakness of the Confederation.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 23
JAMES MADISON
James Madison was a representative of the Southern
aristocracy the eldest son of a Virginia planter.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 23
He, [James Madison], wrote an essay on "The
Vices of the Political System of the United States," made an extensive
study of ancient and modern confederacies, and drew up an outline for a new
system of government. This was a basis for the Virginia plan which at
Philadelphia led to the formation of the Constitution.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
JOHN JAY
John Jay at the time the Federalist appeared,
enjoyed the greatest prestige of any of the three men. Buy some he was
considered as second only to Washington and service to his country. The oldest
of the three he came from a well-to-do New York merchant family of Huguenot
extraction. He served on the Continental Congress from its inception in 1774
and was later its president.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
His, [John Jay], greatest fame at the time,
however, came to him as a result of his role as a diplomat. His first venture
into European diplomacy was to obtain a treaty with Spain. That proving a
failure, he was sent on to Paris to act with John Adams and Franklin in
negotiating the terms of peace with Great Britain. Described by Adams as
"the Washington of the negotiations," he was instrumental in
obtaining recognition of the independence of the United States which ended the
Revolutionary War. He was rewarded for his role by being made the Secretary of
Foreign Affairs for the Continental Congress, a post he continued to fill until
Jefferson took over as Secretary of State under the new government.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
All three Federalist collaborators in addition to
their wide practical experience We're Men of high intellectual culture along
very similar lines each began his schooling under a Christian minister and
completed it with a college education.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
Jay received his master's degree in 1767 with a
discourse on "The Usefulness of the Passions," and the debate on
"Whether a man ought to engage in war without being persuaded of the
justice of his cause."
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
Hamilton unlike them, depended upon the practice
of law for his living, and, while not holding down a political office, earned
the reputation of being the most brilliant lawyer in New York.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
The actual writing of the Federalists and the
authorship of the particular papers have been a matter of long and sometimes
bitter dispute. They were done in a great hurry, and, as Madison later
remarked, they often went directly from the writer to the printer without being
seen by the other collaborators.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 24
Madison... lead the move for a Bill of Rights, the
lack of which had been one of the main issues in the fight for ratification.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 25
[John Jay as the first Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court] The decision in his greatest case, Chisholm vs. Georgia, caused
a Revolt in Congress over its emphasis on the supremacy of the national
government over that of the states. This resulted in the passing of the 11th
Amendment to the Constitution, asserting The sovereign irresponsibility of the
states as regards private suits by citizens to another state.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 25
It was so bitterly attacked by the Jefferson and
Madison groups, known as "Republicans," that in many places Jay was
burnt in effigy.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 25
The three Federalist authors, although divided by
partisan strife, were brought together once again in Washington's Farewell
Address. Washington appealed to all three for advice, and their suggestions,
with most from Hamilton, went into the final draft of the message.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 25
Hamilton made the brake irreparable by writing a
pamphlet attacking AdamHamilton made the break irreparable by writing a
pamphlet attacking Adams, which split the Federalist Party and led to its
disintegration. His partisan battles reached a climax when he was challenged to
a duel by Aaron Burr, then Vice President, with whom Hamilton had long been in
political competition in the municipal, state, and national field. Hamilton
died as a result of a shot received from Burr's pistol.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 25
[Jay] His administration is noted, among other
things, for the law commanding the gradual abolition of slavery in New York.
All three men looked up on slavery as a tragedy for America.
Biographical
note, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, “The Federalist,” Great
Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 25
THE FEDERALIST
NUMBER 1 - Alexander Hamilton
It has been frequently remarked that it seems to
have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct an example,
to decide the important question, weather societies of men are really capable
or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether
they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on
accident and force.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 1, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 29
For in politics, as in religion, it is equally
absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can
rarely be cured by persecution. And yet, however just the sentiments will be
allowed to be, we have already sufficient indications that it will happen in
this as in all former cases of great national discussion. A torrent of angry
and malignant passions will be let loose. To judge from the conduct of the
opposite parties, we shall be led to conclude that they will mutually hope to
events the justice of their opinions, and to increase the number of their
convert by the loudest of their declamations and the bitterness of their
invectives.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 1, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 30
In the course of the preceding observations, I
have had an eye, my fellow citizens, to putting you upon your guard against all
attempts, from whatever quarter, to influence your decision, in a matter of the
utmost moment to your welfare, by any Impressions other than those which may
result from the evidence of truth.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 1, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 30
NUMBER 2 - John Jay
Whatever maybe the arguments or inducements which
have wrought this change in the sentiments and declarations of these gentlemen,
it certainly would not be wise in the people at large to adopt these new political
tenants without being fully convinced that they are founded in truth and sound
policy.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 2, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 31
It has often given me pleasure to observe, that
independent America was not composed of detached and distant territories, but
that one connected, fertile, wide-spreading country was the portion of our
western sons of liberty.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 2, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 31
A strong since of the value and blessings of union
induced the people, at a very early period, to institute a federal government
to preserve and perpetuate it. They formed it almost as soon as they had a
political existence; nay, add a time when their habitations were in flames,
when many of their citizens were bleeding, been when the progress of hostility
am desolation left little room for those calm and mature inquiries and
reflections which must ever proceed the formation of a wise and well balanced
government for a free people.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 2, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 32
NUMBER 3 - John Jay
It is not a new observation that the people of any
country (if, like the Americans, intelligent and well informed) seldom use
adopt and steadily preservere for many years in an erroneous opinion respecting
their interests.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 3, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 33
Among the many objects to which a wise and free
people find it necessary to direct their attention, that of providing for their
safety seems to be the first.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 3, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 33
At present I mean only to consider it as it
respects security for the preservation of peace and tranquility, as well as
against dangers from foreign arms and influence, as from dangers of the like
kind arising from domestic causes.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 3, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 33
Because such violences are more frequently caused
by the passions and interests of a part than of the whole; of one or two states
than of the Union. Not a single Indian war has yet been occasioned by
aggressions of the present federal government, feeble has it is; but there are
several instances of Indian hostility having been provoked by the improper
conduct of individual states, who, either unable or unwilling to restrain for
punish offenses, have given occasion to the slaughter of many innocent
inhabitants.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 3, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 34
The pride of states, as well as of men, naturally
disposes them to justify all their actions, and opposes their acknowledging,
correcting, or repairing their errors and offenses. National government, is
such cases, will not be affected by this pride, but will proceed with
moderation and candour to consider and decide on the means most proper to
extricate them from the difficulties which threaten them.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 3, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 34
NUMBER 4 - John Jay
It is too
true, however disgraceful it may be to human nature, that nations in general
will make war whenever they have a prospect of getting anything by it;
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 4, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 35
Whatever maybe our situation, whether firmly
united under one national government, or split into a number of confederacies,
certain it is, that foreign nations will know and view it exactly as it is; and
they will act towards us accordingly. If they see that our national government
is efficient and well administered, our trade prudently regulated, our militia
properly organised and disciplined, our resources and finances discreetly
managed, our credit reestablished, our people free, contented, and united, they
will be much more disposed to cultivate our friendship than provoke our
resentment.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 4, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 36
NUMBER 5 - John
Jay
[Excerpt
from Queen Anne letter to Scotch Parliament, July 1706] An entire and perfect
union will be the solid foundation of lasting peace: It will secure your
religion, liberty, and property; remove the animosities amongst yourselves, and
the jealousies and differences betwixt our two kingdoms. It must increase your
strength, riches and trade; and by this union the whole island, being joined in
affection and free from all apprehensions of different interests, will be enabled
to resist all its enemies.
John
Jay, “The Federalist,” Number 5, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers;
The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 37
NUMBER 6 - Alexander Hamilton
To look for a continuation of harmony between a
number of independent, unconnected sovereignties in the same neighbourhood,
would be to disregard the uniform course of humans events, and to set at
defiance the accumulated experience of ages. The causes of hostility among
nations are innumerable.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 6, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 39
The genius of Republics, (they say), is pacific;
the spirit of commerce has a tendency to soften the manners of men, and to
extinguish those inflammable humours which have so often kindled into wars.
Commercial republics, like ours will never be disposed to waste themselves in
ruinous contentions with each other. They will be governed by mutual interest
and will cultivate a spirit of mutual amity and concord.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 6, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 40
Have republics in practice been less addicted to
war than monarchies? Are not the former administered by men as well as the
latter?
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 6, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 40
Is it not well known that their determinations are
often governed by a few individuals in whom they place confidence, and are, of
course, liable to be tinctured by the passions and views of those individuals?
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 6, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 41
Is it not time to awake from the deceitful dream
of a golden age, and to adopt as a practical Maxim for the direction of our
political conduct that we, as well as the other inhabitants of the globe, are
yet remote from the happy Empire of perfect wisdom and perfect virtue?
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 6, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 41
NUMBER 8 - Alexander Hamilton
Safety from external danger is the most powerful
dictator of national conduct. Even the ardent love of liberty will, after a
time, give way to its dictates. The violent destruction of life and property
incident to war, the continual effort and alarm attendant on a state of
continual danger, will compel nations the most attached to liberty to resort
for repose and security to institutions which have a tendency to destroy their
civil and political rights. To be more safe, they at length become willing to
run the risk of being less free.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 8, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 45
NUMBER 9 - Alexander
Hamilton
It is impossible to read the history of the petty
republics of Greece and Italy without feeling sensations of horror and disgust
at the distractions with which they were continually agitated and at the rapid
succession of revolutions by which they were kept in the state of perpetual
vibration between the extremes of tyranny and anarchy. If they exhibit
occasional calms, these only serve as short-lived contracts to the furious
storms that are to succeed. If now and then intervals of felicity open to view,
we behold them with a mixture of regret, arising from the reflection that the pleasing
scenes before us are soon to be overwhelmed by the tempestuous waves of
sedition and party rage.
Alexander Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 9, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 47
Alexander Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 9, Great Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 47
The efficacy of various principles is now well
understood, which were either not known at all, or imperfectly known to the
ancients.
Alexander
Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 9, Great Books, volume 43: American state
papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg. 47
Mankind would have been a been obliged at length
to live constantly under the government of a single person, had they not
contrived a kind of constitution that has all the internal advantages of a
republican, together with the external force of a monarchical, government. I
mean a Confederate Republic.
Alexander Hamilton, “The Federalist,” Number 9,
Great Books, volume 43: American state papers; The Federalist; J. S. Mill, Pg.
48
