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chloekg's review against another edition
3.0
Federalist Paper #23 is probably one of the most crucial essays in American history. Unlimited defense spending is built into our constitutional structure. Other papers are more or less interesting depending on the reader's particular brand of nerdhood.
rebeccasfantasyworld's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
heregrim's review against another edition
3.0
No huge into political or lawyer speak, but much of what I know about government and the constitution is much more (lawyered) cleared explained. What I wonder is why this doesn't appear to be required reading (yearly) for politicians. Still, I am glad to have gotten a glimpse into the foundations of our government. My favorites, 56 (my copy 367-2), 62 (402-3) & 70 (457-3).
musicdeepdive's review against another edition
5.0
Compellingly written, well-argued pieces that allow us an excellent (if admittedly one-sided) perspective on American political views of the day. Jay's role is minor and his pieces not particular highlights, but Madison and Hamilton are superb, and for holding such different viewpoints, their writing melds together as smoothly as butter. Best-read in spurts, and I would strongly recommend complementing it with the Anti-Federalist Papers to get a different flavor of the day.
seshat59's review against another edition
4.0
The Federalist Papers are the essential source for those students of civics and history who wish for a better understanding of the purpose and intended function of the American Constitution. Being inside the minds of these three founding fathers and lawyers is insightful, amusing (in Hamilton's case particularly, in witnessing his condescension and using his papers as a source of delightful vitriol), and at times tedious. (Again, I'm looking at you, Hamilton, and your essays on commerce and that abysmally long discourse on trial by jury. Verbosity is indeed your strength.)
For dilettantes and enthusiasts of this subject matter: certain papers are exceedingly insightful. It's difficult for the modern American to imagine living in a time where North Carolina was as sovereign an entity as Mexico is to us today.
For teachers, there's no better source in helping to understand the purpose of our constitution in order to instruct our students. As a civics teacher, this was exceedingly helpful as a source. Forget secondary sources. It was a refreshing reminder to myself (that I haven't had since college) that the richest source of information is always the original. Trite, but true.
For realists, there's no better source for the fallacy of how our government operates today compared to what our forefathers intended. It becomes obvious that our republic is truly outdated, and while it was a brilliant gamble of enlightenment theory put into practice, it functioned ideally within its natural, historical context. In the 21st Century, many of Madison's and Hamilton's assertions of what must be true -- based on their flawed logic with little actual evidence [A leads to B which must conclude with D] -- and what good men and a responsible electorate will allow is laughable, and I did indeed laugh out loud at their castle on a cloud ideals as much as Hamilton's vituperative pen. Our country would never fall to faction. HA. The Electoral College will be used to root out corruption. HA.
Read this to remember and understand the intentions for an 18th Century Republic. Read this and question how that republic should continue to function in the 21st.
For dilettantes and enthusiasts of this subject matter: certain papers are exceedingly insightful. It's difficult for the modern American to imagine living in a time where North Carolina was as sovereign an entity as Mexico is to us today.
For teachers, there's no better source in helping to understand the purpose of our constitution in order to instruct our students. As a civics teacher, this was exceedingly helpful as a source. Forget secondary sources. It was a refreshing reminder to myself (that I haven't had since college) that the richest source of information is always the original. Trite, but true.
For realists, there's no better source for the fallacy of how our government operates today compared to what our forefathers intended. It becomes obvious that our republic is truly outdated, and while it was a brilliant gamble of enlightenment theory put into practice, it functioned ideally within its natural, historical context. In the 21st Century, many of Madison's and Hamilton's assertions of what must be true -- based on their flawed logic with little actual evidence [A leads to B which must conclude with D] -- and what good men and a responsible electorate will allow is laughable, and I did indeed laugh out loud at their castle on a cloud ideals as much as Hamilton's vituperative pen. Our country would never fall to faction. HA. The Electoral College will be used to root out corruption. HA.
Read this to remember and understand the intentions for an 18th Century Republic. Read this and question how that republic should continue to function in the 21st.
booksbrewsandtunes's review against another edition
5.0
Well worth the hype around it. Must read for anyone interested in history, politics, or law. Suggest taking it slow, about 3 "papers" a day, at most, to make it more digestible.
alexlikesclassics's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Brevity is the soul of wit, and editing you shouldn't omit
bibliophiliac's review against another edition
5.0
Just reread the arguments for adopting the new Constitution. I think every American citizen should read these essays -- along with the Anti-Federalist essays and the notes on the debates over the Constitution -- every now and again to remind ourselves of the genius of our system of government.