HAMILTON, MADISON, JAY – The Federalist

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

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

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