On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 18 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They were written under the pseudonym “Publius” and argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Publius continues an argument begun in earlier papers: The loose confederation of states under the Articles of Confederation must fail, in the long term. To make

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 17 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. The ever-prolific Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. “Publius”) is the author of today’s essay. Yesterday’s paper discussed why the national government should be able to enact legislation directly on citizens. Hamilt

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 16 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. This paper is written by Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. “Publius”). In earlier papers, Publius argued that a formal Union among the 13 states was needed. Now he continues to explain why the then-existing informal

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 15 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. The first 14 papers argued that a Union of the 13 colonies is necessary. This paper begins to explain why the current Union—an informal one, through the Articles of Confederation—is insufficient. Alexander Ha

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 14 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states.” Paper 14 brings the introductory portion of the series to a close. The first 14 papers defended the proposition that the states should join together as one Union. (The alternative was for the states to break

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Centinel” writes his fourth contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. An underlying assumption of the pro-Constitution movement was that the then-existing Articles of Confederation (effectively America’s first constitution) were “inadequate to the objects of the union.” Centinel is not so sure about that! He warn

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Brutus” writes his fourth contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. “There can be no free government,” Brutus begins, “where the people are not possessed of the power of making the laws by which they are governed . . . .” He thinks that “legislation by representatives” is the “only practicable mode in which the p

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 13 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Hamilton has one simple point to make in this paper. Good timing, because it is a holiday weekend. Hamilton notes that a Union will be cheaper to sustain than three or four confederacies: The country will nee

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 12 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. Many of them were reprinted in out-of-state newspapers as well. Later, they were bound into a collection and sold that way. These essays argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Alexander Hamilton (a.ka. “Publius”) wrote this particular paper. In some wa

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 11 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. As you can see, creation of a new American republic was no small task. The founding generation took the matter very seriously—so seriously that there was an audience for these numerous papers. Federalist Pape

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 10 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. This particular paper was written by the Father of the Constitution, James Madison! He is writing under the pseudonym “Publius.” Madison continues a discussion begun in earlier papers: Why is a formal Union b

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Cato” writes his fifth contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Cato is worried that portions of the Constitution are too vague: Indeed, “inexplicitness seems to pervade this whole political fabric.” He is unimpressed by claims that Americans will always prevent encroachments upon their liberty. “[Y]ou must reco

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 9 is published. These papers argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. I am impressed that so many of you are persevering through the Federalist Papers with me! Today marks the anniversary of Federalist Paper No. 9. Yes, even though Hamilton just did one yesterday! And will do another tomorrow! Where did these guys find time for this?! Today’s paper again defends the importance of Union. An

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 8 is published. These papers argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. In this paper, Publius argues that European-style wars can be avoided in America, if we remain united. Consider what was happening in Europe at the time: Nations were close together, and these European nations always shared boundaries with some other country. As a result, standing armies and standing fortifications were

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Brutus” writes his third contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Brutus is very upset about the manner in which congressmen are apportioned among the states. He summarizes the constitutional provision: “Representatives are to be proportioned among the states respectively, according to the number of freemen and

On this day in 1787, Alexander Hamilton churns out yet another Federalist Paper. One had just been published the day before! These papers argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Let’s stop to think for a second about the decision facing the new nation at this moment in time. They could see that the weak Congress created by the Articles of Confederation was not working. Yet many also feared the creation of a new, stronger national

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 6 is published. Publius is STILL defending the proposition that a formal Union is needed; the then-existing loose coalition of states will not suffice. Five long essays, and he is still going on this point! Publius was nothing if not detailed, huh?! This particular essay argues that a formal Union will help to protect Americans from the problem of domestic insurrections. Two notable points: First, Publius relies heavily on the experie

On this day in 1787, Federalist Paper No. 5 is published. In this paper, “Publius” was John Jay. It’s the last essay that Jay will write for a while. Instead, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton will take over most of the rest of the series. Remember: Eventually, there were 85 papers. They were lengthy articles, by modern standards. (Federalist Paper No. 5, for instance, is about twice the length of an average newspaper editorial today.) Moreover, the essays were well-organi

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Cato” writes his fourth contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Cato worries that the new office of President has been given too much power, particularly when combined with a long four-year-term in office. He reminds his readers that the philosopher Montesquieu warned about limiting the terms of magistrates in

On this day in 1787, an author writing under the pseudonym “Centinel” writes his third contribution to the anti-Federalist Papers. These papers argued against the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Some of you will be interested to hear that Centinel begins this essay by citing two Bible verses! John 3:20 and Luke 12:2-3: “‘For every one that doeth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved,’” he