The Federalist Papers Flashcards

Federalist No. 51, written by James Madison, is primarily known for its defense of which constitutional principle?

Answer: Separation of powers and checks and balances

Federalist No. 51 argues that the constitutional structure — dividing power among three branches and between state and federal governments — prevents any one faction or branch from gaining tyrannical control. Its famous line is 'Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.'

Federalist No. 10, authored by James Madison, argues that a large republic is better than a small one primarily because it:

Answer: Reduces the danger of factions by making it harder for any one faction to dominate

Madison argued that in a large republic, the variety of factions and interests is so great that no single faction can easily gain majority control and oppress the minority. The extended republic acts as a natural check on factional tyranny.

The Federalist Papers were written under the collective pseudonym 'Publius' by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. What was their primary purpose?

Answer: To persuade New York voters to ratify the proposed Constitution

The 85 essays were published in New York newspapers in 1787–1788 specifically to persuade New York State delegates to ratify the newly proposed Constitution, which faced significant opposition there.

Federalist No. 78, written by Alexander Hamilton, is most famous for articulating the principle of:

Answer: Judicial review — the power of courts to strike down unconstitutional laws

Hamilton argued in Federalist No. 78 that the judiciary must have the power to declare laws void if they contradict the Constitution, since the Constitution represents the will of the people and must be superior to ordinary legislation. This laid the intellectual foundation for judicial review.

Which of the following correctly pairs a Federalist Paper with its main subject?

Answer: No. 70 — the argument for a single, energetic executive

Federalist No. 70, written by Hamilton, argues that the executive branch must be led by a single person (not a committee) to ensure energy, accountability, and decisive action. This defended the Constitution's creation of a single president rather than a plural executive.

Who were the three authors of the Federalist Papers?

Answer: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

The 85 Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton (who wrote the majority), James Madison, and John Jay, all publishing under the shared pseudonym 'Publius.' Jefferson and Washington were not authors of the Federalist Papers.