The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers

The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02  ·  rating details  ·  106 ratings  ·  15 reviews
Here, in a single volume, is a selection of the classic critiques of the new Constitution penned by such ardent defenders of statesÂ’ rights and personal liberty as George Mason, Patrick Henry, and Melancton Smith; pro-Constitution writings by James Wilson and Noah Webster; and thirty-three of the best-known and most crucial Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James M...more
Paperback, 343 pages
Published January 1st 2003 by Hackett Publishing Company (first published February 1st 1999)
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Community Reviews

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Dev
First its a tough read when you know who's going to win the argument. Then theres all the inside baseball discussions and the Anti's complaining about everything: the terms of the pols are too short, they're too long, they should be forced out, they should stay in, the judicial branch is too weak, the judicial branch is too strong, the President will be the Senate's puppet, the President will be a tyrannical king, and hey where's the bill of rights.

It's a miracle the Constitution ever passed. Af...more
Jacob Stubbs
So, as one might guess, the Federalist Papers are a foundation for understanding the American political system and founding. In my American founding class, we read both the Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist Papers in dialogue with each other over various issues (representation was an especially gripping debate).

The Anti-Federalists' thought is rather important for today's political scheme. Their critique of the judicial system, view of America forming classes, etc. are all interesting predi...more
Lady of the Lake
Boring? No, not boring when thought about as history in the making! I am fascinated by my countries founding fathers and how it all came about to put this country on it's road to greatness! Dry? Perhaps yes dry reading I'll give in to that! However I'm Happy that I read this!
Joel Brown
Even a general search for meaning in the US constitution is not complete without reading the arguments for or against its ratification. As I listen to individuals argue various constitutional issues (such as the 2nd ammendment) I always have to ask if they've read these papers. It seems that very few have. It's sad that in a pivotal time of collosal issues that face America that our citizens have such a shaky understanding of the fundamental laws that undergird all our legislative questions. Rea...more
Brian
Took two readings to absorb it well, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Viva Publius!
Brian
This is a good compilation of the more important Federalist Papers with some writings against adoption of the Constitution. I was struck by some of the common themes against: that it would lead to a government solely by and for elites, that the VP has nothing to do, that the VP would have a big influence in the Senate, and so on.
Joey Bredesen
Classic text.
Bonnie Carruth
My grandmothers gained the right to vote in 1920. One died in 1946, and one in 1947 and the voted in every election they were qualified to do so.
John Yelverton
Anyone who doubts the genius of the founding fathers never read these papers.
Wendy
Apr 29, 2008 Wendy is currently reading it
Am I a federalist? Am I an anti-federalist? I keep getting confused! :)
Jim
This is the sales presentation for our Constitution.
MET
Read only if you want to understand American politics
Zoran
A must read for anyone who wants context about the making of the nation and the US Constitution.... it is a bit dry, however it is original material...
Jason
OK for a first read, but the whole book is necessary to really understand the debate
Cathy Chen
May 16, 2013 Cathy Chen marked it as to-read
Joel
May 22, 2013 Joel marked it as to-read
Shelves: politics, nonfiction
Cody Barnette
Apr 21, 2013 Cody Barnette marked it as to-read
Gary Malmberg
Apr 10, 2013 Gary Malmberg marked it as to-read
Ian Curry
Apr 07, 2013 Ian Curry added it
Shelves: college
Chelsey Faith
Mar 28, 2013 Chelsey Faith marked it as to-read
Alyson
Mar 08, 2013 Alyson marked it as to-read
Andrew
Mar 06, 2013 Andrew added it
Jose Montano
Feb 26, 2013 Jose Montano marked it as to-read
Roarke Murray
Feb 18, 2013 Roarke Murray marked it as to-read
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The Federalist & Anti Federalist Papers (Paperback)
The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers (Hardcover)
The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers (Paperback)
The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers (NOOK Study eTextbook)
The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers (Kindle Edition)

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