The Federalist

[Online Professor]

The Federalist Papers Course Schedule

 

Written between October 1787 and August 1788, The Federalist Papers is a collection of newspaper essays written in defense of the Constitution. Writing under the penname Publius, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay explain the merits of the proposed Constitution, while confronting objections raised by its opponents. Thomas Jefferson described the work as “the best commentary on the principles of government, which ever was written.” This course will explore major themes of The Federalist Papers, such as the problem of majority faction, separation of powers, and the three branches of government.

1. Introduction: Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention

   Larry P. Arnn

2. The Improved Science of Politics

   Paul A. Rahe

3. The Problem of Majority Faction

   Paul Moreno

4. Federalism and Republicanism

   Will Morrisey

5. Separation of Powers

   Matthew Spalding

6. The Legislative: House and Senate

   Will Morrisey

7. The Executive

   Paul A. Rahe

8. The Judiciary

   Paul Moreno

9. “The Constitution is Itself . . . a Bill of Rights”

   Will Morrisey

10. Conclusion: Constitutionalism Today

    Larry P. Arnn

Final Quiz