The Federalist Papers (1787-1789)

The Founding Fathers

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Study Questions

What impact did The Federalist have on the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?


What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that justified a stronger central government as described by the U.S. Constitution?


In what way does an energetic government best protect the individual rights of citizens?


What would the natural outcome be of maintaining a confederacy of United States?

What argument does Publius give in favor of the central government being able to maintain a standing army and impose direct taxes?

What are the benefits to the states of a strong central government?

Does the U.S. Constitution describe a federal form of government, a national form of government, or both? Explain.

How does The Federalist provide both a political philosophy for the United States and a practical description of the philosophes theories on government and human nature?

What was the difference between the ratification of the Articles and the Constitution? What does this imply about the different types of government?

What checks do the American people have on the central government to prevent it from combining the powers of executive, legislative and judicial into one body?

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