Definition

The Federalist Papers were a series of eighty-five essays urging the citizens of New York to ratify the new United States Constitution. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the essays originally appeared anonymously in New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 under the pen name "Publius." Federalist No. 70 written by Hamilton, argues in favor of the unitary executive created by Article II of the United States Constitution. According to Hamilton, a unitary executive is necessary to ensure accountability in government. In this Federalist Paper, Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong executive leader, as provided for by the Constitution, as opposed to the weak executive under the Articles of Confederation. He asserts, “energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks…to the steady administration of the laws, to the protection of property…to justice; [and] to the security of liberty….”

Example

Questions

1. Who was the author of Federalist No. 70?

2. What is the main thing the author promotes in Federalist No. 70?

3. Think of an example of the ideas from Federalist No. 70 in current events:

4. Find an image of Federalist No. 70 or find an emoji that represents its main idea:

5. Why did the author(s) (Publius) write the federalist papers?

6. Did the US have a strong executive under the Articles of Confederation?

7. If the Federalist papers had NOT been written and the Constitution had not been ratified, how different would our country be today?

8. What quote from Federalist No. 70 best illustrates its main point?

9. If you had to rank all the 9 foundational documents from most to least important, where would you rank Federalist No. 70?

10. What is the main point of the following quotation from Federalist No. 70? “energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks…to the steady administration of the laws, to the protection of property…to justice; [and] to the security of liberty….”

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw Federalist No. 70. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

Glossary