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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This isn't a beach read or even a particularly invigorating read. The vocabulary can be a little arcane and working through dozens of pages arguing the finer points of congressional proceedings can be trying. But the framers were smart guys and in their defense of a federal constitution, refer back to successful Greek, Roman and British forms of governments for their inspiration. There is much to be learned here, even if only that a federated America was the culmination of reasoned and intelligent debate on human nature and the virtues of governing. Overall I'm saddened not to have read this much earlier. This should be considered required reading for any American, regardless of personal politics.
In 2017 with all the political upheaval and the popularity of the musical Hamilton. I decided to read original source material including the Federalist Papers. These were 85 persuasive articles published in New York newspapers arguing for the ratification of the Constitution. While we all know the outcome, at the time the Constitution was ground breaking, creating a new form of government. These articles argue the consequences of not having a strong central government, the need for a central government, explaining the different sections of the Constitution and then piece by piece defends the reasoning behind all three branches of government. The Federalist papers were some times hard to get through, between the language, the repetition on subjects, and the writing style of some of the authors. Madison laid it out point by point in dry, cerebral terms, Hamilton, would never be successful with twitter, used language with flourish but often wrote in excess. I will admit I likely didn't absorb all there was in these papers nor understand everything. Madison's article on the justification and rational on slavery is chilling. Some of the arguments are interesting simple because we know what happened, and how or federal government is shaped today. It is almost laughable when Hamilton argues against a Bill of Rights, and uses the press as an example. As the Bill of Rights is likely more recognized and known then the original document. I would not recommend reading this cover to cover, however I would recommend you read it.
Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand American history. Get it strait from the horse's mouth.
Every American should read the Federalist Papers. It gives a primary account of what the Founders believed when they wrote the Constitution. It brings new insight to their reasoning behind the different tenets.
Short review:
A monument of the United States Democratic history. Eighty Five letters written under PLUBIUS, but composed by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay primarily in support of the U.S Constitution after the Articles of Confederation.
It's safe to say these are important documents to read. However, given the fact that originally they were going to publish fifty or so of the papers, and expanded it to eighty-five was a bit of a stretch. They certainly were covering all the bases, but as a modern student of political science I spotted many discrepancies between what they were saying and what they expected.
The first half were some of the strongest arguments, but after awhile it gets very repetitive.
A monument of the United States Democratic history. Eighty Five letters written under PLUBIUS, but composed by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay primarily in support of the U.S Constitution after the Articles of Confederation.
It's safe to say these are important documents to read. However, given the fact that originally they were going to publish fifty or so of the papers, and expanded it to eighty-five was a bit of a stretch. They certainly were covering all the bases, but as a modern student of political science I spotted many discrepancies between what they were saying and what they expected.
The first half were some of the strongest arguments, but after awhile it gets very repetitive.
Enlightening. So many myths that I've grown up hearing about our Founders and their intentions were quelled as I read these essays. I will definitely be coming back to reference them again and again.
What a great read during our current political climate.
Essential documents in understanding America. If you're an American, read them. Heck, if you're not an American, read them, though you may lack context.
Hamilton wrote, the oTHER FIFTY ONE
ahhh i hope ill enjoy or at least appreciate reading this.
ahhh i hope ill enjoy or at least appreciate reading this.
I just finished this book after a long hiatus. It took me awhile to figure out a strategy for reading it, which for me turned out to be reading one chapter a day. Once I approached it that way, I found it to be fascinating, inspiring and eye-opening. Reading it now in the midst of so many debates about the proper role of each of the branches of government as they address domestic and international issues has been very interesting. The thoroughness of the analysis is very impressive. Madison, Jay and Hamilton had such a wealth of historical knowledge that they brought into their discussions, not just about the forms of various governments (ancient and contemporary), but how those forms played out in particular circumstances. One curious aspect of it though is a strange sort of naivete about the honesty and integrity of individuals who would be filling positions in government. Each of the authors goes to great lengths to describe the checks on less than admirable behavior, but at the same time argues that anyone called to any of these positions would have a certain nobility of character that would ensure acting in the best interests of all the people. Time has shown us over and over again that this is not the case. Even with that small contradictory element, I can't recommend this work more highly--I wish I had read it long ago, and would be interested in a reread of it with other folks.