The Federalist No. 1.
How does a federal government differ from a confederation of states? A republic from a democracy?
Are there any differences between the arguments for "UNION" (p. 225) from those in favor of a Republic (e.g., could we have had a Union but not a Republic?)
Do you agree with Publius's statement (p. 223) that "a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidding appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government."
The Federalist No. 2.
Publius (p. 227) adduces as an argument in favor of Union that America was inhabited by "a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs." Is his argument outmoded?
Does the "prosperity of America" (p. 230) depend on its Union?
The Federalist No. 10.
Publius candidly concedes that factionalism is a consequence of liberty. How, then, will "a well-constructed Union" be able to "break and control the violence of faction"? (p.230)
Page 234: "The apportionment of taxes on the various descriptions of property is an act which seems to require the most exact impartiality; yet there is, perhaps, no legislative act in which greater opportunity and temptation are given to a predominant party to trample on the rules of justice. Every shilling with which they overburden the inferior number, is a shilling saved to their own pockets." What would be the role of the federal government in "controlling" the "effects" of this tendency?
On p. 237 Publius asserts that a legislature must "guard against a cabal of the few" but avoid "the confusion of the multitude." Does our legislature achieve this medium?
The Federalist No. 15.
Do people in general think they can get away with the "infamy of bad action" (p. 245) if they do so in a group (e.g., a legislative body)?
The Federalist No. 51.
P. 251. In the United States of America, is state government really a check on federal power, and vice versa?
P. 253: Is Publius correct in asserting (p. 253) that "the larger the society, provided it lie within a practical sphere, the more duly capable it will be of self-government?"
The Federalists Nos. 69 and 70.
P. 259: Contrary to what Publius says, does the President's role as Head of State ("authorized to receive ambassadors and other public ministers") interfere with his role as Head of Government?
How would Publius react to the imposition of term limits on the Presidency in the 32d Amendment?
Can the Cabinet be considered a form of Executive Council?
Evaluative Question
How would Publius view some of the events of the last 18 months : the bailouts of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, AIG, the big banks, etc . ; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (a.k.a., the "stimulus package"); the GM takeover? Would he support or oppose the vastly expanded financial and regulatory role of the federal government in the economy?
