The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics)
by Alexander Hamilton, Charles R. Kesler, Clinton Rossiter, James Madison, John Jay
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Book Reviews of The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics)
Book Review: Do you want the amunition to kick out Dick Cheney? Read this!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever heard about checks and balances? Dick wants to take them away. Ever woundered if those signing statements of George W Bush are unconstitutional? They are! The constitution of the United States of America is, despite the youth of the country, the oldest one in operation today. It is the oldest because it is the best. The federalist papers are a unique discussion on the principles of sound governement, the constitution as the most interesting experiment in human history as Alexander Hamilton puts it. "It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force."(Paper No 1, Hamilton) Through its constitution and a handfull of patriots America has rose, against all odds, to become the most powerfull nation of the world. A nation that once more or less singel handedly saved the world from facism. A nation today almost destroyed, as once Greece was destroyed, from sophistry and the ignorance of its own population. The Federalist Papers is an indespensible tool to reclame the governement and again make America the Becon of Hope and Temple of liberty for all mankind. This is the time for real patriots to step forward!Book Review: Learn about our country's founders
Summary: 5 Stars
About a year ago, I saw a movie called The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The movie is about President Chavez in Venezuela and the failed coup attempt on his presidency. In the background coverage of his presidency, the filmmakers recounted how as President, he encouraged his citizens to read their brand new constitution and learn it. They interviewed some Venezuelans who did not know to read, but had learned to read by reading their constitution.
I was touched by this, but then I thought "how many Americans can say they've read the Constitution?" My guess is probably not many. And those that have only did it for school and have since forgotten much of what they learned. Personally, I remember having to memorize the Bill of Rights for a class, but that's about it.
So I bought a copy of the Constitution for myself and began reading it. I also bought a copy of the Federalist Papers.
In a time when Congress is passing legislation that infringes upon the rights guaranteed us by our Constitution, it's important now more than ever that we read and understand it. And the Federalist Papers are a great way to learn what the founders were thinking when shaping the Constitution and to learn the issues they were concerned about in the structure of our government.
Book Review: Read It
Summary: 5 Stars
Every American should read this. If you want a clear understanding of what those who formed our Constitution intended, this is the book. Hamilton is clear and compelling. Some ideas are explained in terms peculiar to his day, but it's not hard to decipher what he means.
If you read astutely, you should be saddened by what subsequent generations have done to a brilliant foundational document. The Framers' idea was to form a democratic republic; not a pure democracy. They cautioned against a too powerful judiciary, knowing it would lead to tyranny. And, as they feared, today we have justices, selected precisely because of their hyper-ideology, who can define the rules under which we live. A mere 5 people - 5!! - rule 360 million.
You've been educated by a public school system that embraces collectivism and internationalism. Both of these are anathema to the ideas of the Founders. Those men were deeply educated in history and both political and economic philosophy. Their work has been undone by men and women not nearly their equals.
If you understand the underlying philosophies of the U.S. Constitution, you will both mourn and long for what once we were.
Book Review: Important outline of American government
Summary: 5 Stars
The Federalist Papers were incredibly important in the ratification of the Constitution. Published in New York, and in installments the papers are very influential in American Politics.
The Authors of the Federalist Papers are an interesting group. Madison and Hamilton did not have the same political views, but it is very difficult to tell the difference between their writings. The reason for this is the persona of Publius (An ancient Roman) that was taken on by both Hamilton and Madison.
The Federalist Papers outlined the ideas and the powers of the new government. This book is outstanding because it has a guide to the papers. Some of the historical references and language which was used at the time of the publication are not understood by most readers of the 21st century and the guide and explanation of these ideas makes this book a gem. The introduction and editing are highly readable and emphasize the great importance the Federalist Papers had on the forming of the United States.
This is a must read for students of American History (and look at all the papers not just the infamous number 10, many others are worth reading).
Book Review: Democracy's Overrated
Summary: 5 Stars
Sorry, but it's true. Fortunately, all the talk about democracy in America is all just rhetoric. The United States is not, nor was it ever, a democracy. Don't believe me? When was the last time you voted for a supreme court justice? Why do Texas and Rhode Island get equal representation in the senate (2 senators) when they're representing such disproportionate numbers of people (furthermore, they used to be appointed by state legislatures rather than elected)?
The founders recognized from our country's inception that democracy was nothing more than tyranny of the majority. The federalists recognized that the union of the states under the Articles of Confederation could not hold. Additionally, they recognized the opportunity they had to create a large power.
Read all about the Separation of Powers and the Checks and Balances devised by our founders (with props to the Frenchman, Montesquieu of course). If you want to learn about the foundation of America, the government of America, the meaning of America... THIS is the perfect place to start!