FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS

• Federalist 70. 


  Written by Alexander Hamilton

  Justifies the need for a single Executive.

  A "single energetic" executive is better than a counsel of executives.

  Benefits: (a.) Responsibility (b.) Unity

  A counsel of executives may impeded or frustrate the measures of the country.

  • Easier to pin point problems and abuse.
  • Faster and efficient actions compared to a counsel
• Federalist 78.


  Written by Alexander Hamilton

  Argues why and for how long SC Judges will be appointed and their powers.

  Appointed by the Prez. and can be in court for as long as "good behavior."

  *Life time= Independence; not worry about pleasing and getting re-elected.

  Judicial Review: Making sure laws are passed by Congress are in line.

  • Courts are designed to be intermediate body between the people and Congress.
• Federalist 51.


  Written by James Madison

  Checks and Balances

  "If men were angels; no gov't was necessary"

  • Independent power so they don't rely on one another.
  • Equally proportioned powers
  • Divided the power in bigger departments. Ex: Congress- divided into 2 houses the HOR and Senate.
  • Divided powers make ambitions clash together, so compromises will be made.
  • Prevents Tyranny
• Federalist 10.


  Written by James Maddison

  Argues/Explains how the new constitution will protect the liberties of the citizens.

  Two Solutions:

  (a.) Stop Factions from forming

  (b.) Limit Effects

  (a.)Leads to the removal/abolishing of Civil Liberties

  (b.)Leads to a republican gov't

  • In a Republican gov't power is alluded by larger populations so no faction can dominate.
  • Factions lead to compromise.
  • Growing republic = growing diverse/ideas.
• Brutus No. 1


  Argues against the ratification of the Constitution.

  A Confederate gov't is better than a republic.

  • Necessary & Proper Clause and Supremacy Clause will lead to the state's powers being void.
  • The federal gov't collecting taxes will give less power to states.
  • A republic is suited better for a smaller nation, not big.
  • How will all ideas be represented?
  • Big republic makes it difficult for states to know their leaders.