The Federalist Papers

Notes on Federalist Number Four

hawkblair — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 03:52:47 +0000

There are a few interesting aspects of this paper:

1. For those interested in economics, Jay presents a mercantilist perspective. Jay writes that if American shipping grows, it must grow at the expense of other nations. In other words, Jay does not subscribe to the notion of a “growing pie” that supply-siders advocate.

2. The gravaman of Jay’s argument is economy of scale. Jay writes of military affairs and explains that a pooling of resources can create a larger and more efficient force than 13 separate forces.

3. Interestingly, to highlight his economy of scale argument, Jay praises the United Kingdom and its combination of the resources of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland rather than four separate armies or navies. This is quite a queer pick as Jay is praising a nation that the states have just recently engaged in battle.

~PUBLICOLA

Centralization-Good or Bad?

hawkblair — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:42:53 +0000

Federalist Number Three finds John Jay making a case for the centralization of foreign affairs powers in one national government.

Jay talks about the difficulties and conflicts that may result with other nations if thirteen separate governments are grappling with treaty interpretation or with border skirmishes. He argues that one national government can prevent a local prejudice from inciting a war or conflict with another nation. He also argues that one national government has more weight at the table than thirteen separate governments discussing foreign affairs with France, Great Britain, etc.

The current generation is talked about for its love of technology and “breaking down barriers.” The idea of tech and the net leading to a decentralized society is now ingrained in the minds of most. These technologies, as well as the fall of the centralized planning-leviathan known as the Soviet Union have painted a virtuous perspective of decentralization.

Jay finds merit in the consolidation and centralization of certain powers.

Contemporary politics finds both parties arguing back and forth about centralization depending on the issue. Republicans may point to greater economic regulation by Democrats in commercial pursuits as a vice. Democrats point to recent federal efforts overriding state marijuana laws as a vice. Both sides argue the anti-centralization perspective when it suits their purpose.

For readers of the blog, what are your opinions about the centralization of our foreign affairs in the State Department or any powers centralized in our federal government as opposed to the idea of fifty decentralized arenas making policy?

The Mighty Pen

prepsurf — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:50:44 +0000

The power of public support and perception is particularly deceptive. Just as politicians of today use the “honest lens” of television cameras to carry their calculated appeals to the masses, so did Publius use Colonial America’s equivalent: the newspaper. Ironically, this appeal for public consensus is led by a man remembered for his contempt for the mob mentality – Alexander Hamilton.

Why go to print?

ONE: Unification is it. Option B, C, D, etc. are not on the table. Personal opinion and losses are irrelevant. America is either the United States or nothing at all. This is not about a man trying to establish the uprightness his character, which surely had been sullied by the spin of his political rivals. Not for Hamilton, this is for and about us. “..the vigour of the government is essential to the security of liberty.” Having just come out of the American Revolution, Hamilton knew what he was up against: a belief that power equals tyranny. He thus proposes to defeat that potential once and for all by establishing a system where no single individual or group’s interest is trump.

TWO: Public support, down to the last individual, is essential. This is a public appeal, not a public address. The matter of unification remains wide open, and is susceptible to the whims of the uninformed. During the Colonial period, there was no better way to reach the masses than through print. Of course, this means reaching Caucasian males. Surprisingly this is not limited to the landed elite, as research demonstrates the literacy rate in New England to be near 90% at the time. Regardless of what Congress decides, it is up to the people to live it. And if the resulting lifestyle fails to secure ongoing public investment, the laws loose their weight and value. From another direction, Hamilton knew what motivated “politicos” to action — public favor. If he can sway public opinion to uphold unification, then he garners the flipped support of his detractors.

THREE: Legacy. This is where it does get personal for Hamilton. The establishment of the American Democratic government would make history. Such a monument would be paramount to the original tenets of democracy established by the Roman empire. “My motives must remain in the depository of my own breast…” Being on the verge of unparalleled greatness fueled Hamilton’s fervency. The power of this “experiment” enables Hamilton to sincerely assert: “this is the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness.” If Hamilton is securing his legacy, putting the details into print is an expected course of action. Yet, here he is not only writing it on paper, but in the hearts and minds of the people.

~ PUBLICOLA

Dance with the one that brung ya….

hawkblair — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:27:45 +0000

There is an old saying in sports that you “dance with the one that brung ya…” This means that if you have employed a successful strategy in the past, you should continue to utilize the strategy until it proves inept.

John Jay uses this reasoning in Federalist Number Two.

Jay writes about the successes of past national bodies (Continental Congresses) and points out that a number of individuals who participated in those conclaves helped structure the Constitution awaiting ratification. Jay posits that since these individuals produced acceptable results in their past machinations, the current Constitution should also be viewed favorably.

~ PUBLICOLA

Honesty or Courage?

hawkblair — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:36:20 +0000

Publius is very frank in Federalist #1. He states that he does not plan to appear deliberative or “undecided” in proposing this paradigm-shifting constitution. Instead, he writes that he will make a clear case for his beliefs.

This integrity of thought and announcement casts a dark shadow over today’s politicians. Today, we find politicians who desperately want to “please” everyone. We find the left and right trying to “shade” or “touch up the gray” in their conduct and oratory. Trite phrases such as “change” or “hope” become the staple of today’s milquetoast vote-getter.

Which leads to the interesting question: Are contemporary politicians dishonest or fearful? Perhaps it’s a combination of fear and mendaciousness. Yet, I find almost no “mainstream” figures willing to make an unashamed case for their beliefs.

~ PUBLICOLA

The End of Days

nmorrison — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:32:37 +0000

The Constitution (and The Federalist Papers) was created during the end of days. Despite the Revolution’s promise of independence, liberty and freedom from arbitrary and absolute rule of the Parliament, the United States were slipping into the funk of egalitarianism and democracy. The states had been hijacked by a riotous rabble of levelers determined to destroy the economy by persecuting tories and redistributing wealth. Their unicameral legislatures enslaved the states to the ever-changing and short-sighted will of the people, whose lust for disorder erupted in 1786. With even the physical security of the country in jeopardy, the political system of the nation proved incapable of overcoming the narrow ambition of it’s leaders. By February 1787, only the Commonwealth of Virginia had complied the national government’s request for funding.The despair over the tyranny of mobocracy, George Washington feared, would ruin the experiment of republicanism and convince the world “that mankind when left to themselves are unfit for their own Government.” America’s democracy left Washington “mortified beyond expression” by its promotion of a “jealous” and “short-sighted” despotism. It is through this “mist of intoxication and folly” that America’s Founding Fathers sounded the horn of reason. The Constitution and The Federalist Papers represent the hope that these audacious men brought to our nation. Read firsthand accounts of Shays’ Rebellion.

~ PUBLICOLA

Impudence

hawkblair — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:57:37 +0000

As this scholarly exercise commences, I ask for our readers to study this word. The Constitution and The Federalist Papers are documents that could only be viewed as impudent writings by contemporary citizens of both Colonial America and the world.

~ PUBLICOLA

Welcoming Remarks

prepsurf — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:21:04 +0000

The abandonment of belief in the ability of ideas to make us a better people
is causing an ennui among the global village. ~ Hawk Blair

Join us as we embark on a lively reading and discussion of The Federalist Papers.

At the very least, be sure to take the time to review this important work, the complete version of which may be found online.

~ PUBLICOLA