“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”
— Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Why It's Lindy
The definitive document for understanding the American constitutional framework. Cited by the Supreme Court in constitutional decisions to this day.
About This Volume
A collection of 85 essays written under the pseudonym Publius, urging the ratification of the United States Constitution. Each paper addresses a different aspect of republican government — the dangers of faction, the separation of powers, the structure of the judiciary. The most sustained and sophisticated argument for a specific form of government in the history of political thought.
Frequently Asked
Why should I read The Federalist Papers?
The definitive document for understanding the American constitutional framework. Cited by the Supreme Court in constitutional decisions to this day.
What is The Federalist Papers about?
A collection of 85 essays written under the pseudonym Publius, urging the ratification of the United States Constitution. Each paper addresses a different aspect of republican government — the dangers of faction, the separation of powers, the structure of the judiciary. The most sustained and sophisticated argument for a specific form of government in the history of political thought.
