Primary Source: Excerpt from Federalist Paper #10

Instructor: David Wilson

David has taught college history and holds an MA in history.

Some of the most important philosophical ideas that influenced the development of American government came from the Federalist Papers, written by Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. Learn the context and significance of Federalist Paper #10, then read an excerpt of it.

Federalist Papers

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, many people had ideas about how their new government should look. The short-lived Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, had quickly failed to promote common interests and build a functional government. In response, the Founding Fathers called a convention to write and ratify a new constitution to replace the Articles. Many were opposed to this from the start, including Thomas Jefferson, who supported the Articles due to their lack of a strong federal government, believing it more important that states have sovereignty and power.

Several Americans became prominent spokespersons for a federal government that had powers greater than its states. Alexander Hamilton was one of the most notable voices, famously giving speeches that lasted hours on the value of a federal state. He also, in conjunction with lawyer John Jay and James Madison, published a series of articles in prominent New York newspapers urging state politicians to ratify the new Constitution and its federalist attributes. These became known as the Federalist Papers.

The Federalist Papers contain 85 essays arguing about topics ranging from the structure of republican government to judicial review to the importance of a one-man executive. Federalist Paper #10 is usually considered the most important, written by James Madison and published in November 1787. The Paper addresses the question of what rights are owed to the citizenry by their government and is a major foundation stone for many legal and philosophical ideas about American government. It specifically addresses factionalism, or the splintering of political parties and/or political interests, as Madison feared that multiple groups arguing and competing with each other could overwhelm a weak government.

Let's take a look at it now.

Excerpt from Federalist Paper #10


From the New York Packet.

Friday, November 23, 1787.

Author: James Madison

To the People of the State of New York:






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