What are the Federalist Papers?
The Federalist Papers were a compilation of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. The Federalists were a political party that encouraged a strong central government. James Madison was claimed to be the father of the Constitution and he later became the fourth president of the United States. Alexander Hamilton was the Secretary of Treasury for the Federalist party. The diplomacy website explains that John Jay was appointed to be the Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Secretary of State) in 1784. He was later appointed as the first Chief Justice in the Supreme Court. These essays promoted New York state to ratify the Constitution. Madison, Hamilton, and Jay wrote the essays under "Publius" and published them in The New York Packet and The Independent Journal. Our Documents: 100 Milestone Documents from the National Archives states that the Federalist Papers outlined the details of the Constitution and displayed the original intent. The Library of Congress has a collection of bills, laws, journals and debates, that include documents from the Continental Congress, George Washington Papers, James Madison Papers, Thomas Jefferson Papers, and a list of some exhibitions. Congress's website offers the 85 Federalist Papers that can be read in detail.
How did the Federalist Papers come to be?
The Articles of Confederation contributed to the creation of the Federalist Papers. On November 15, 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, but it was not ratified until March 1, 1781. The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. Under the Articles there was a loose confederation of states. The central government had very limited powers, for most of the power belonged to the states. Power belonged to the states because many thought that a strong national government would result in another monarchy. To prevent this, power was given to the states so that the authority was not centralized. However, the Articles of Confederation had many weaknesses that lead to the need to develop the Constitution. The Library of Congress has a timeline of the events that lead to the development of the Constitution.
What were some of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
The Government Publishing Office points out three main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The first weakness was that Congress lacked the authority to tax. Taxes were needed to help build up the treasury and provide money for any government projects. However, since the federal government could not levy taxes, it had to ask the states for money. Many of the states did not contribute money. The second weakness related to legislative concerns. In order for amendments to be ratified all 13 states had to agree, and nine states needed to approve to pass any other important legislature. The ratification by all states made it very difficult for any legislature to be passed. The third weakness demonstrated Congress' lack of power to regulate foreign affairs and interstate commerce. There were many disputes between states concerning certain interests in rivers or bays for trading purposes. The Office of the Historian depicts the problems concerning foreign affairs. Since all states had to agree to pass legislation, it was very difficult to conduct foreign policy and enforce laws. The 1783 Treaty of Paris highlighted this weakness. The Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War. Under its terms, Americans were supposed to pay back all debts owed to British subjects, and former British loyalists could bring suits to court to recover their confiscated property. Many Americans were unhappy with these terms and states did not follow through with their enforcement. In response, the British soldiers refused to leave the forts in the U.S. territory. Furthermore, British traders flooded the market and brought British goods with them. This hurt American importers and manufacturers, but Congress could not regulate the trade. The limitations the Articles placed on Congress hurt the well being and prosperity of the United States. In response to these problems, the Constitutional Convention was formed.
What is the Constitutional Convention?
The Office of the Historian explains the Constitutional Convention. When the weaknesses of the Articles became obvious, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Wilson moved to strengthen the federal government. The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787. The delegates created a government that relied on checks and balances and the separation of powers. The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches were created. Each branch had a different role, but they would be checked to ensure that power was not being abused. The Constitution changed the ratification process. Instead of having every state agree, 2/3 approval would lead to ratification. The last weakness of the Articles of Confederation was solved when the Department of State was created in 1789 to help deal with foreign affairs. The Constitution has remained the framework for the government of the United States.
Overall, the Articles of Confederation led Federalists to write the Federalist Papers to promote the ratification of the Constitution. The Government Publishing Office states that the Federalist Papers are a source of the original ideas of the Constitution.
What are your thoughts on the Articles of Confederation and their contribution to the Federalist Papers and the Constitution?
- by Emily Hancz
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