The Federalist Papers stand as America's original political science—a blueprint for constitutional government that remains surprisingly relevant 240 years after its creation. In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Paul Carrese, we explore why these historical documents continue to shape our understanding of governance despite dramatic changes in American society.

What makes the Federalist Papers so enduring? As Dr. Carrese explains, the fundamental questions they address - federalism, separation of powers, the character needed for self-governance - remain at the heart of our political discourse. When courts interpret the Constitution, when states assert their rights against federal power, when we debate the proper role of the presidency, we're engaging with the same issues Publius explored centuries ago.

We uncover several overlooked dimensions of these seminal texts: their emphasis on civic virtue and the character necessary for republican government; their implicit model of statesmanship (with George Washington as the unspoken exemplar); their ambitious vision for American greatness; and their commitment to reasoned, civil debate. These aspects reveal why even bitter political rivals like Jefferson and Madison could agree that every University of Virginia student should read the Federalist.

The enduring relevance of these essays raises profound questions about our constitutional heritage. Is it a mere coincidence that America became the world's leading power based on the principles articulated in the Federalist? What wisdom from Publius might help us navigate today's political challenges? Join us as we explore how America's founding documents continue illuminating our path forward, and subscribe to our upcoming episode on the crucial constitutional debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Dr. Sean Beienberg examines the historical debate between Alexander Hamilton and Brutus regarding judicial power and independence in the American constitutional system. Hamilton's Federalist 78 defends judicial review as necessary for enforcing constitutional limits on government, while Brutus feared creating an unaccountable judicial oligarchy.

• Both Hamilton and Brutus agreed judicial review existed in the Constitution but disagreed on whether it was beneficial
• Brutus warned judges would become "independent of heaven itself" with no checks on their power
• Hamilton argued the judiciary would be "the least dangerous branch" lacking enforcement mechanisms
• The case for judicial independence collapses if judges enforce their preferences rather than the Constitution
• Hamilton explicitly rejected judges updating the Constitution based on changing public sentiment
• Brutus feared judges would rely on the "spirit" rather than text of the Constitution to expand their power

Listen to our other episodes in the Civics in a Year series to build your understanding of America's constitutional foundations.

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

We explore Federalist Papers 47 and 48 with Dr. Sean Beinberg, examining Madison's sophisticated understanding of separation of powers and the subtle distinction between separated powers and checks and balances.

• Dr. Beienberg identifies these papers as among the most important Federalist writings
• Madison responds to critics who claimed the Constitution had poor separation of powers
• Tyranny defined as concentration of powers, regardless of whether in one, few, or many hands
• Madison argues tyranny can exist even in a popularly elected democracy if powers aren't separated
• Separation requires giving each branch control over others, not complete division
• "Parchment barriers" aren't enough - branches need actual mechanisms to check each other
• Madison's fear of legislative power relates specifically to state constitutions after the Revolution
• Federalist 48 also provides a framework for when to fear executive overreach
• Contemporary politics may actually match Madison's conditions for dangerous executive power

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

We explore why Constitution Day matters by comparing the U.S. Constitution to the rulebook of a sports team, showing how both prevent chaos and establish fair play. On September 17, 1787, the founders created not just a document but a revolutionary system where power comes from the people rather than kings or rulers.

• The Constitution serves as America's rulebook, similar to how sports teams need rules to function
• Signed on September 17, 1787, the Constitution established how our new country would operate
• Revolutionary concept that power comes from "We the People" instead of kings
• The U.S. Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use today (230+ years)
• The document can be amended when needed, as demonstrated by the Bill of Rights
• Many schools celebrate by having students read the preamble aloud
• Constitution Day is especially meaningful for new citizens taking their oath of citizenship
• The Constitution represents a promise that our government is built by the people and for the people

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

We explore the essential qualities of a good president according to America's founding fathers and how these same virtues helped Abraham Lincoln lead during the Civil War. These timeless leadership traits—honesty, wisdom, courage, and respect for the people—remain relevant for aspiring leaders of all ages today.

• Founders worried about giving one person too much power while still needing a strong leader
• Washington demonstrated honesty by refusing to become king despite popular support
• Hamilton emphasized the importance of wisdom and knowledge of laws, history, and military affairs
• Madison believed presidential power must come from the people, not from the office itself
• Lincoln exemplified these qualities during the Civil War through his honesty, constitutional wisdom, and courage
• The qualities that make a good president—honesty, wisdom, courage, respect—can apply to leadership at any level
• These same characteristics can make someone a good friend, classmate, or future leader

Remember, the qualities that make good presidents can help you become a better leader in your own life!

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Dr. Sean Beienberg returns to examine the Electoral College through the lens of Federalist Paper 68, explaining the original intentions behind this complex system and how it rapidly evolved from its designed purpose. We explore how Hamilton's vision of a filtering mechanism for selecting "prudent statesmen" quickly transformed with the rise of political parties and changing electoral practices.

• The Electoral College has two key features: the allocation of electors (balancing federal and national interests) and the filtering mechanism for selecting presidents
• Electoral allocation reflects the mixed federal system—combining House (population-based) and Senate (state-based) representation
• Hamilton designed the system to select presidents with strong character who would be efficient administrators and effective international representatives
• States quickly moved from having deliberative electors to holding popular votes for pledged electors
• The 12th Amendment changed the system after the 1800 election tie, formally acknowledging party politics
• The Constitution remains "agnostic" on how states choose electors—state legislatures could legally choose them directly, though norms have changed
• Hamilton was so confident in the Electoral College design that he noted even anti-federalist critics weren't complaining about it

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Dr. Beienberg explains Alexander Hamilton's arguments in Federalist No. 70 for establishing a single executive rather than a council or committee to lead the executive branch. Hamilton's case rests on the fundamental differences between legislative and executive power, with the former benefiting from diverse voices and the latter requiring efficiency and clear accountability.

• Executive power demands unity for efficiency and clear accountability
• Multiple executives create internal division and blame-shifting
• The Roman consul system showed the disadvantages of divided executive authority
• The British monarchy used councils to deflect blame from the king
• The American presidency is designed to be clearly accountable to the people, unlike a hereditary monarch
• Hamilton's vision emphasizes knowing exactly who to blame for the poor execution of laws

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School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics

Dr. Beienberg returns to explore Federalist No. 70, examining Hamilton's nuanced arguments for a strong executive branch within a balanced constitutional system. The discussion clarifies common misconceptions about the "unitary executive" theory and illustrates why the founders designed the presidency for efficient implementation rather than policy creation.

• Hamilton's core argument in Federalist 70-72 emphasizes the need for a "strong and vigorous executive" but with specific limitations
• The founders designed deliberative legislatures to make policy and energetic executives to implement it
• Executive power primarily concerns executing laws, not creating domestic policy
• The "unitary executive" concept ensures accountability rather than expanding presidential authority
• Presidents cannot legitimately refuse to enforce laws or create policy unilaterally under Hamilton's vision
• Hamilton and Madison disagreed about the extent of executive authority in foreign policy
• Modern misinterpretations of Federalist 70 often overlook the founders' careful institutional design

Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics