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461st out of 769 books
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1,037 voters
The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers
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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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
It's a miracle the Constitution ever passed. Af...more
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
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
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!
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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
Took two readings to absorb it well, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Viva Publius!
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.
Classic text.
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.
Anyone who doubts the genius of the founding fathers never read these papers.
Am I a federalist? Am I an anti-federalist? I keep getting confused! :)
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This is the sales presentation for our Constitution.
Read only if you want to understand American politics
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...
OK for a first read, but the whole book is necessary to really understand the debate
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