New Federalist Papers: Essays in Defense of the Constitution

by Alan Brinkley, Nelson W. Polsby, Kathleen M. Sullivan

Three prominent and highly visible writers confront the threats posed by current challenges to the American Constitution. In the aftermath of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, three of its most gifted participants--Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay--wrote a series of eighty-five essays, published in newspapers throughout the nation, defending the proposed new government against its opponents. Those essays, known today as the Federalist Papers , explain the philosophical basis of the Constitution and defend the idea of republican government against charges that it would lead to tyranny.

Today's political controversies call into question some of the principles that have shaped government through most of this century. New Federalist Papers , written by three constitutional experts, defends the representative democracy put in place by the framers of the Constitution. Like Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, the authors of New Federalist Papers see danger in the effort to diminish and relocate federal power. They recognize that it is the task of public discourse to bring about reasoned consideration of such issues as gun control, term limits, flag burning, the balanced budget amendment, and campaign finance reform.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics

194 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Alan Brinkley was an American political historian who has taught for over 20 years at Columbia University. He was the Allan Nevins Professor of History until his death. From 2003 to 2009, he was University Provost.

Reviews

[Verity · Rating 2 out of 5]

How presumptuous and frankly far up your own arse must you be as an academic to organise a (mediocre at best) series of essays and entitle it the 'New' Federalist Papers. NEW.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for all Americans; particularly Millennials and younger generations who typically lack context, history and accurate comparison with other forms of democratic government systems, let alone non-democratic or totalitarian forms of government in the world. Those on the front lines claiming to fight for social justice, rights and other liberal policies should learn about the true strengths of our governmental system (and how to use them to best achieve their noble goals) before they are so quick to leave them defenseless in a world with increasing apathy and acceptance of authoritarian rule.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors' prescience was striking. Writing in the last years of the 20th century, they prefigured some of the major problems of this century. Thought provoking as well.

[Kylie Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is somewhat dated - not it's fault but something to keep in mind.

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Consists of a series of essays designed to support the constitution. The essays consist of arguments for the constitution against the recent influx in constitutional amendments designed to change the basis of the constitution according to what the authors determine are merely short-term attempts to obtain political advantage. Argues for a less hands-on approach to adapting the constitution and argues that most legislation should be handled at the legislative level and not the constitutional level.

[Maciek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book presents the best arguments against essentially antifederalist stances: balanced budgets amendments, term limits of congresspeople, and devolution of power to the states. All these stances are often found in right-wing rhetoric, but the book also contains arguments that can make liberals uncomfortable as well (for example, the chapter that defends the dual-party system in the U.S). The only real problem of the book is that it could be expanded more (especially considering the Citizens United ruling); it is rather short.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Over ten years old, so a little out of date, though great summations by three eminent scholars. Many of the themes still ring true, sadly, as we deal with many of the same issues in the current Congress. I just hope 2010 isn't 1994 all over again. Though if so, the authors might want to consider an update...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable selection of thoughtful essays about current issues facing our country. Although it was published in 1997, most current issues are included, with the exception of the threat to civil rights from the post 9/11 security measures.

[Christina Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book to get a refreshing look at the original Federlist papers, and to see how they fit into today's working government.