Entries by Janine Turner and Cathy Gillespie

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Federalist No. 27 – The Same Subject Continued: The Idea of Restraining the Legislative Authority in Regard to the Common Defense Considered, from the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 We are all familiar with the recent skepticism about government’s performance. Ever since Rick Santelli’s rant on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, Americans across the country have gathered in tea parties to discuss and protest the plethora of bad policies pouring forth from Washington. Frustration with government, though, […]

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Federalist No. 28 – Cathy Gillespie

Sunday, June 6th, 2010 Thank you to Dr. Morrisey for your insight into Federalist No. 28, and for checking back in with us over the weekend!  You are a wonderful resource to our “90 in 90” Participants! It is interesting to me that Hamilton seems to be calling for the federal government to use the […]

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Federalist No. 28 – Janine Turner

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 Howdy from Texas! I want to thank Mr. Will Morrisey for joining us today and for his wonderful interpretation of Federalist Paper No. 28. I underscored Alexander Hamilton’s quote, “If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no resource left but in the exertion of that original […]

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Federalist No. 28 – The Idea of Restraining the Legislative Authority in Regard to the Common Defense Considered, for the Independent Journal (Hamilton)

Friday, June 4th, 2010 The Federalist #28: Federalism and Rebellion Publius has turned to the justification of “energy” or power in the federal government—in particular, the power of military self-defense.  In #27 he began consideration of perhaps the most sensitive topic in any federal system, namely, military defense against internal rebellions.  He argued that union […]

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Federalist No. 29 – Janine Turner

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 Greetings from NYC. I am here, with Cathy and Juliette, and we are Constituting America. Be sure to tune in tomorrow to Fox News midday as I am going to be a guest on Megyn Kelly’s show.  I will, also, be on Glenn Beck’s Show, the Founding Father’s Friday, on Friday! […]

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Federalist No. 29 – Concerning the Militia, From the Daily Advertiser (Hamilton)

Monday, June 7th, 2010 Federalist #29 written by Hamilton continues the focus on the subject of the militia and the standing army.  Hamilton is quite enthusiastic in embracing the needs for a common or national military force. He explains, “THE power of regulating the militia, and of commanding its services in times of insurrection and […]

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Federalist No. 30 – Janine Turner

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 Howdy from NYC! Today Cathy, Juliette and I had a very successful day promoting Constituting America! It is such a joy to promote the United States Constitution and the brilliant Federalist Papers. We were on Glenn Beck’s radio show this morning and then on Megyn Kelly’s show on Fox News this […]

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Federalist No. 30 – Concerning the General Power of Taxation, From the New York Packet

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 Alexander Hamilton is widely known as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and one of the strongest advocates of our Constitution.  Born illegitimately in the Caribbean to a Scottish merchant father and a mother of French Huguenot descent, he was already managing the affairs of an accounting office by age 15.  […]

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June 9, 2010 – Federalist No. 31 – Cathy Gillespie

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 “IN DISQUISITIONS of every kind, there are certain primary truths, or first principles, upon which all subsequent reasonings must depend. These contain an internal evidence which, antecedent to all reflection or combination, commands the assent of the mind.” Federalist No. 31 has one of the strongest beginnings and endings of any […]

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June 9, 2010 – Federalist No. 31 – Janine Turner

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 Howdy from Boston! It is thrilling to be here in a city that has so much revolutionary history! Juliette and I walked around in the rain and saw State Hall and Park Church. (Be sure to watch our behind the scene video!) We also saw the graves of Samuel Adams, Paul […]

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June 9, 2010 – Federalist No. 31 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the General Power of Taxation, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist #31 continues on the topic of the taxing power of the new central government.  Contrasting his significant math and science knowledge with his considered skepticism about humankind generally, Hamilton suggests basic maxims ought to apply as a principle for government’s effective operation.  Just as the maxims in geometry, that “the whole is greater than […]

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June 10, 2010 – Federalist No. 32 – Cathy Gillespie

Friday, June 11th, 2010 Thank you to Professor Knipprath for your excellent insight into Federalist No. 32.  We greatly appreciate your generous gift of time to the 90 in 90: History Holds the Key to the Future Project! The purpose of Federalist 32 seems to be to reassure citizens that the Federal Government’s power to […]

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Federalist No. 32 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Boston, well, really Quincy and Cambridge! Juliette and I had an amazing day. It was a day devoted to one of our most influential founding fathers, John Adams. We started our day with a trip to Quincy, sections of which used to be named Braintree. We visited John Adam’s very modest childhood home […]

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Federalist No. 32 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the General Power of Taxation, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

In various essays, the reader has met Alexander Hamilton, polemicist; in Federalist No. 32, Alexander Hamilton, constitutional lawyer, takes a turn. The topic is whether the power to tax granted to the national government under Article I, Section 8, clause 1, of the Constitution deprives states of the power to tax. In a logical and […]

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Federalist No. 33 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Boston! Juliette and I continued our walk down the red lined path of the Freedom Trail today. (Check out today’s video either through our Facebook link to YouTube or the Video Box on the top of our website.) Boston is an incredibly beautiful city and the history is so well preserved! The city […]

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Federalist No. 33 – Cathy Gillespie

In Federalist No. 33, Hamilton defends the Necessary and Proper clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution: The Congress shall have Power To…….. make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government […]

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Federalist No. 33 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the General Power of Taxation, From the Daily Advertiser (Hamilton)

After the appearance in the preceding essay of Alexander Hamilton, Esquire, Federalist 33 sees the return of Hamilton, the rhetorical swordsman, slashing at his opponents and parrying their contentions. The target of his invective is the assertion that, though the national government’s power to tax may not be exclusive and can be exercised by the […]

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Federalist No. 34 – Janine Turner and Cathy Gillespie

Howdy from Independence Hall in Philadelphia! Actually we just entered Interstate 95 South! Cathy, Juliette and I are returning from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. Cathy is driving, Juliette is editing the behind the scene video and I am typing tonight’s essay on Federalist Paper No. 34 which Cathy and I are doing in tandem. Cathy, […]

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Federalist No. 34 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the General Power of Taxation, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

By the time Alexander Hamilton wrote Federalist No. 34 on 4 January 1788, he had been publishing essays on the topic of taxation at a blistering pace.  He penned two the day before, and he authored seven essays, each around two thousand words, in the span of twelve days.  No. 34 directly addressed portions of […]

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Federalist No. 35 – Janine Turner & Cathy Gillespie

Hello from Virginia, three miles from Mt. Vernon!  The Gillespies are so glad to have Janine and Juliette staying with us for a few days during their East Coast Constituting America Tour!  They began in New York last week, travelled to Boston, and yesterday we visited Philadelphia (with a side trip to the Jersey shore)! […]

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Federalist No. 35 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the General Power of Taxation, For the Independent Journal (Hamilton)

In the midst of discussing questions of tax power and policy, Federalist 35 ventures into a fascinating argument about the nature of representation in a democratic republic – a very relevant question today. The argument about representation is a response to an Anti-Federalist claim that the House of Representatives will be too small to contain […]

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Federalist No. 36 – Cathy Gillespie

Another great day for Constituting America as Janine and Juliette continue their Constituting America East Coast Tour! Today I had the privilege of joining Janine at the DC FOX Studios, where she taped an interview with Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday.  Janine will be featured as Power Player of the Week this Sunday, June 20. […]

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Federalist No. 36 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Washington, D.C. and Mt. Vernon! Cathy, Juliette and I had another busy day Constituting America. We meet with some grassroots groups to get the word out about our Constitution and then we traveled to Fox News to tape a segment for Fox News Sunday! So be sure to set your Tivo to Fox […]

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Federalist No. 36 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the General Power of Taxation, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist 36: A Final Word on Taxes The Federalist Papers contains seven entries specifically addressing how our fledgling nation was to handle the delicate and potentially volatile issue of taxation.  Having touched upon Essay #30 dealing with taxation previously, let’s bookend the topic with a brief synopsis of #36  it is focusing specifically with the […]

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Federalist No. 37 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Washington, D.C. Cathy, Juliette and I visited the Supreme Court today and Senator Scott Brown at the Capitol. I wanted to talk with him about laying a wreath at President John Adams grave since Senator Brown is from Boston and John Adams is from Quincy, just outside of Boston. As it so happened […]

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Federalist No. 37 – Cathy Gillespie

Wow! What a day!  We wrapped up the last day of Janine and Juliettte’s Constituting America’s East Coast Tour with a wonderful morning at the Supreme Court.  We learned about Chief Justice John Marshall (considered one of the greatest Chief Justices of all time), Marbury vs. Madison (which established the principle of judicial review), and […]

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Federalist No. 37 – Concerning the Difficulties of the Convention in Devising a Proper Form of Government, From the Daily Advertiser (Madison)

Federalist Nos. 37 and 38 depart from Publius’s usual fare of panoramic examination of the weaknesses of historic confederations or dissection of particular objections to the Constitution. Instead, Madison takes up the cause of the project as a whole and of those who remained in Philadelphia to see it through. The thematic thread running through […]

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Federalist No. 38

Howdy from Hollywood! Cathy and her daughter, Mollie, Juliette and I are in Hollywood, “Constituting America!” We met with a producer today regarding many things, including ideas for television specials and our game show! Tomorrow we are meeting with many, many people in the Hollywood industry to spread the word about our “90 in 90” […]

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Federalist No. 38

First, a reminder to watch Fox News Sunday, for Janine as Power Player of the Week! Chris Wallace does a great sit down interview with Janine about Constituting America! Check your local listings for airtimes! Thank you, Professor Knipprath for your essays yesterday and today.  You have a great way of not only explaining, but […]

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Federalist No. 38 – The Same Subject Continued, and the Incoherence of the Objections to the New Plan Exposed, From the New York Packet (Madison)

While Federalist 37 defends the Philadelphia Convention and the Constitution by recalling the difficulties involved in completing such a complex and novel undertaking, Federalist 38 is a full-throated attack on the Antifederalists. To counter the accusations—at least formally defensible—that the Convention was a revolutionary body that threatened liberty, Madison first reminds his readers that the […]

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Federalist No. 39 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas!  We are home, after a whirlwind trip Constituting America, up and down the east coast – the birthplace of our country. I was still Constituting America today though – in the grocery store check out line. The woman behind me had two children and I told her all about our Contest! I […]

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Federalist No. 39 – Cathy Gillespie

There are still two weeks left for young people to enter the We The People 9.17 Contest! How is the Constitution Relevant Today? Entries due July 4th! High School Students: We need more short film, PSA and song entries!! We are accepting essays from high school students as well.  Prizes including $2,000 per category; trip […]

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Federalist No. 39 – The Conformity of the Plan to Republican Principles, For the Independent Journal (Hamilton)

Federalist 39 answers attacks that the proposed Constitution is not “republican” and not “federal.”  In his response, Publius effectively redefines both terms. Claiming the proposed government is not “strictly republican” is a serious charge.  Publius recognizes this, saying “no other form would be reconcileable with the genius of the people of America; with the fundamental […]

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Federalist No. 40 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 40 brings up a subject I have been curious about since embarking upon this journey through the Federalist Papers in April.  How did the delegates, charged with revising the Articles of Confederation, justify constructing an entirely new government? Madison lays out the case brilliantly.  First quoting the recommendation of the  Annapolis Meeting in […]

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Federalist No. 40 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! What a glorious day for the Constitution! My daughter and I marveled as we heard that a Federal judge had struck down President Obama’s six month moratorium on the drilling of oil in ocean waters. Whether one agrees or disagrees with President Obama’s decision, it is just awesome to see our Constitution’s […]

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Federalist No. 40 – The Powers of the Convention to Form a Mixed Government Examined and Sustained, from the New York Packet (Madison)

One can only imagine the difficulty James Madison had writing Federalist 40.  The question was this: did the Constitutional Convention overstep its authority by abolishing the Articles of Confederation in favor of a new government, rather than merely reforming the Articles? Consider that when the Convention assembled in the summer of 1787, a government already […]

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Federalist No. 41 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! I thank you for joining us today and I thank Professor Knipprath for his most insightful essay! James Madison’s Federalist Paper No. 41 is full of profundities. “It is in vain to oppose Constitutional barriers to the impulse of self-preservation. It is worse than in vain: because it plants in the Constitution […]

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Federalist No. 41 – Cathy Gillespie

Yesterday we passed the halfway mark for the 90 in 90: History Holds the Key to the Future Program !  We are more than halfway through our 90 day journey to read the Federalist Papers and U.S. Constitution in 90 Days! A big thank you to all our 90 in 90 particpants.  We thank you for […]

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Federalist No. 41 – General View of the Powers Conferred by the Constitution, For the Independent Journal (Madison)

In a lengthy essay, Madison embarks on a series of defenses of Congressional powers that he pursues in more detail through Federalist 46. In Federalist 41, he proposes to divide that task over the course of the following several essays by examining whether any particular power is unnecessary and improper and also whether the entire […]

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Federalist No. 42 – Cathy Gillespie

“But the mild voice of reason, pleading the cause of an enlarged and permanent interest, is but too often drowned, before public bodies as well as individuals, by the clamors of an impatient avidity for immediate and immoderate gain.” This quote sums up the challenges the founders faced in pulling such disparate interests together for […]

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June 24, 2010 – Federalist No. 42 – Janine Turner

Friday, June 25th, 2010 Howdy from Texas!!! “But the mild voice of reason, pleading the cause of an enlarged and permanent interest, is but too often drowned before public bodies as well as individuals, by the clamours of an impatient avidity for immediate and immoderate gain.” – James Madison The rising voice of the American […]

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Federalist No. 42 – The Powers Conferred by the Constitution Further Considered, From the New York Packet (Madison)

In Federalist #42, James Madison attempts to clarify the importance of national powers found in the Constitution that are essential to the successful operation of the government particularly in national and international affairs.  Categorizing these powers as second and third class was a means of distinguishing them not to disparage them.  Among them are: relations […]

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Federalist No. 43 – Cathy Gillespie

The entry deadline for We The People 9.17 Contest is drawing near!  The deadline of July 4 is only 9 days away.  There is still time to enter, though, and we would love as many entries as possible!! Most schools are now out for the summer, so please sit down with your child, grandchild, niece, […]

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Federalist No. 43 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. I thank you for joining us today and I thank the amazing Professor Knipprath for his diligent and intelligent contributions as one of our regular and treasured scholars! Isn’t it rewarding, this process of reading through the Federalist Papers? I must admit that some nights, I am plowing through the night’s reading […]

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Federalist No. 43 – The Same Subject Continued: The Powers Conferred by the Constitution Further Considered, for the Independent Journal (Madison)

In Federalist 43, Madison continues his examination of Congress’s enumerated constitutional powers, presenting a miscellany of provisions. Tucked away at the end of this rather lengthy essay, as if Publius half hopes the reader will be too fatigued to notice, is a matter of signal importance, the provision that only nine states’ approval was necessary […]

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Federalist No. 44 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. I thank Professor Knipprath for joining us today, and all of you who have joined us on our blog. When Juliette and I were in Boston we ran into a semi- circle of statues surrounding the American flag. One of the statues was inscribed “Religion” and the statue was of a man […]

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Federalist No. 44 – Cathy Gillespie

In Federalist No. 44 Madison completes his list of and defense of powers delegated to the federal government.  In this essay he discusses restrictions on the authority of the States in Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution.  Most of these restrictions make sense, even today, such as the restriction on States entering into treaties, […]

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Federalist No. 44 – Restrictions on the Authority of the Several States, From the New York Packet (Madison)

Federalist 44 completes a series that examines specific grants of power to Congress. Madison identifies two classes of powers. One involves direct limits on the states; the other involves a direct grant to Congress and indirect limits on the states. Among the first, Madison cites prohibitions—carried over from the Articles—against foreign policy by states, a […]

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Federalist No. 45 – Cathy Gillespie

“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.” James Madison, Federalist No. 45 In Federalist 45, Publius once again assures us of the limited, but necessary nature of the federal government’s powers.  In previous essays […]

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Federalist No. 45 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas and wow, wasn’t today’s reading of Federalist Paper No. 45 a wild ride? If anyone ever suggests that the Federal government is not bigger than originally intended I will simply refer them to the following words of James Madison. Federalist Paper No. 45. “The powers delegated by the proposed constitution to the […]

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Federalist No. 45 – The Alleged Danger From the Powers of the Union to the State Governments Considered, For the Independent Journal (Madison)

Having examined various powers granted to Congress, Madison in Federalist 45 invites the audience to step back from the particular tiles to gaze at the whole mosaic of the Constitution. But, is he presenting the creation from a proper angle? Or, is the Constitution modern art, where the meaning is created by the viewer? One […]

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Federalist No. 46 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 46 – The Influence of the State and Federal Governments Compared – How is this relevant today? Tomorrow, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli will appear before U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson to argue against lawyers from the Obama Administration, who have filed a motion to dismiss Virginia’s challenge to the recently […]

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Federalist No. 46 – Janine Turner

Republic For Which It Stands The states will sound the general alarm And the people with sufficient storm Will rally against all usurpation That Federal forms against the norm The genius of the people reign And will forever be the mindful stance Fervor will forsake the season And be quieted by right circumstance The Federal […]

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Federalist No. 46 – The Influence of the State and Federal Governments Compared, From the New York Packet (Madison)

Federalist 46 continues Madison’s arguments that the federal government could never dominate or obliterate the states. He sketches out possible scenarios of federal over-reaching, and explains why the states would prevail in every case. Addressing the worst-case scenario, Madison assures his readers that a tyrannical President with a powerful army could never impose his rule […]

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Federalist No. 47 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. I thank Professor Baker for joining us today and for his wonderful essay! I also thank all of you who are joining us for our “90 in 90 = 180 History Holds the Key to the Future,” whether by reading or by blogging! After reading Federalist Paper No. 47, I am awestruck […]

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Federalist No. 47 – Cathy Gillespie

“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, selfappointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” Federalist 47 begins a fascinating discussion of separation of powers.  Thank you to Dr. Baker for your insights on this […]

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Federalist No. 47 – The Particular Structure of the New Government and the Distribution of Power Among Its Different Parts, From the New York Packet (Madison)

Although mentioned in previous essays, Publius formally began to address separation of powers in Federalist # 47.  Together with ## 48 and 51, #47 explained the unique understanding of that principle as built into the Constitution. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists agreed that separation of powers was essential to liberty, but disagreed on what that required […]

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Federalist No. 48 & Federalist No. 49 – Janine Turner

WOW. It’s REALLY getting good now isn’t it? Howdy from hot Texas! I have a billions dog ears and stickies on Federalist Papers 48 & 49! I want to thank Professor John S. Baker and Professor Colleen Sheehan for their insightful essays and I also want to thank all of our Professors and Scholars who […]

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Federalist No. 48 – Cathy Gillespie

It is essays such as Federalist 48 that validate Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote about the Federalist Papers, “the best commentary on the principles of government … ever written.” The checks and balances of our government, so beautifully constructed by the founders, are based on this axiom from Federalist No. 48: “It will not be denied, […]

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Federalist No. 48 – These Departments Should Not Be So Far Separated as to Have No Constitutional Control Over Each Other, From the New York Packet (Madison)

The states had strict separation of powers in theory, but a dangerous mixture of powers in practice. Taking the opposite approach, Publius undertook “to show, that unless these departments be so far connected and blended, as to give each a constitutional control over the others, the degree of separation which the maxim requires as essential […]

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Federalist No. 49 & Federalist No. 50 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon, Virginia where we are busily sorting, copying, downloading and uploading We The People 9.17 Contest entries for our judges!   It is inspiring to see the hard work, creativity, and talent of young people across our Nation, all pondering and expressing “How the United States Constitution is Relevant Today!” These young people […]

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Federalist No. 48 & Federalist No. 49 – Janine Turner

WOW. It’s REALLY getting good now isn’t it? Howdy from hot Texas! I have a billions dog ears and stickies on Federalist Papers 48 & 49! I want to thank Professor John S. Baker and Professor Colleen Sheehan for their insightful essays and I also want to thank all of our Professors and Scholars who […]

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Federalist No. 49 – Method of Guarding Against the Encroachments of Any One Department of Government by Appealing to the People Through a Convention, From the New York Packet (Madison)

James Madison wrote Federalist 49 in part as a response to Thomas Jefferson’s idea that a constitutional convention should be called whenever one of the departments of government oversteps its delegated constitutional authority. Madison argued that this was a bad idea for five reasons:  1) the proposal doesn’t cover the case in which two departments […]

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Federalist No. 49 & Federalist No. 50 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon, Virginia where we are busily sorting, copying, downloading and uploading We The People 9.17 Contest entries for our judges!   It is inspiring to see the hard work, creativity, and talent of young people across our Nation, all pondering and expressing “How the United States Constitution is Relevant Today!” These young people […]

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Federalist Paper No. 50 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. Cathy and I are so excited that we have had so many contest entries! I thank all of you who have actively participated in spreading the word about our We the People 9.17 Contest. I encourage all of you to spread the word about our necessity as citizens to know the United […]

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Federalist No. 50 – The Same Subject Continued: The Total Number of the House of Representatives (Madison or Hamilton)

The authorship of Federalist No. 50 is disputed.  Whether it was James Madison or Alexander Hamilton, the author’s arguments have ramifications for our current political problems and, in many ways, exemplify the nature of the federal government under the Constitution.  Federalist No. 50 opens with the following premise: “IT MAY be contended, perhaps, that instead […]

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Federalist No. 51 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist 51 – what a quotable paper!  We have been busy on Facebook today (http://www.facebook.com/constitutingamerica ), rolling out many of the famous and insightful lines! Thank you to Professor Baker for your wonderful essay, and for itemizing some of the well known quotes from this paper! The biggest challenge we face today is our government […]

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Federalist Paper No. 51 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. Here we are at Federalist Paper No. 51! I want to thank Professor John S. Baker for his wonderful essay and gracious time. I also thank all of you who are blogging with us. Isn’t the conversation stimulating? Isn’t it wonderful to have this forum to discuss and interpret the United States […]

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Federalist No. 51 – The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments, From the New York Packet (Hamilton or Madison)

Federalist #51 is the most important of the essays in The Federalist, after #10. It completes the discussion of the general structure of the Constitution before Publius turns to a consideration of its particular elements. It ties together the main points of the previous essays. Federalist #47 and #48 outlines the challenge of keeping the […]

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Federalist No. 52 – Janine Turner

Howdy from the air! I am traveling to Boston for an historic event! For those of you who watch our videos and read these essays, you know that Juliette and I traveled to Boston in June. We visited the birthplace and homes of my favorite forefather and foremother, John and Abigail Adams! We visited the […]

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Federalist No. 52 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon, Virginia!  Having spent many years working for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Joe Barton of Texas, I am thrilled to see several Federalist Papers devoted to the subject of the U.S. House. Unfortunately, Congress as an institution and the people who serve there are suffering from a […]

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Federalist No. 52 – The House of Representatives, From the New York Packet (Madison or Hamilton)

Let me commence this discussion with an important caveat.  There are two ways in which to evaluate the contributions of the Founding Fathers in drafting and pursuing the ratification of the various Articles and Sections of the United States Constitution.  The first way is by reference to the circumstances of the emerging nation and the […]

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Federalist No. 53 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Boston! Today was an historical day! Juliette and I had the great fortune to witness Senator Scott Brown lay a wreath on John Quincy Adams crypt, marking our 6th President’s 243rd birthday. It was the first time a sitting Senator has ever done so. Senator Scott Brown delivered a very inspiring speech and […]

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Federalist No. 53 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist 53 was a reminder to me of how blessed our country is to live under a system of government “established by the people and unalterable by the government.” “The important distinction so well understood in America, between a Constitution established by the people and unalterable by the government, and a law established by the […]

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Federalist No. 53 – The Same Subject Continued: The House of Representatives, From the New York Packet (Hamilton or Madison)

In Federalist #53 James Madison continues a discussion about the description and operation of the United States House of Representatives. In particular his emphasis is targeted to the question of protecting liberty and ensuring electoral accountability through the use of the term for Members of the House of Representatives. Madison observes that there is a […]

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Federalist No. 54 – Juliette Turner

Howdy from Texas. This is Juliette Turner (Janine Turner’s 12 year old daughter). I’m subbing for my mother who is very busy reading the HUNDREDS of essays that have been submitted in the We the People 9.17 Contest. She is so excited! I just have one thing to say about Federalist Paper No. 54. I […]

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Federalist No. 54 – Cathy Gillespie

“But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?” –Federalist No. 51 Federalist No. 54 reminds us of the fact that the United States Constitution was not, and is not, a perfect document. It is a reflection of human nature, and as our founders knew, human beings are not perfect […]

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Federalist No. 54 – The Apportionment of Members Among the States, From the New York Packet (Madison or Hamilton)

Although the essay’s authorship has been disputed, I am following the broad consensus that Madison wrote it along with the rest of the papers about the organization of the House. James Madison was a Southern slaveholder. But one might never have surmised that from the curiously detached tone that Publius affects in Federalist 54 in […]

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Federalist No. 55 – Janine Turner

I am still reading the fabulous Contest Entries!! I want to thank all of the students who have taken the time to blend creativity with the Constitution. They are all fantastic!! I am reading the wonderful essays, watching all of the cool videos, PSAs, and listening to the fabulous songs in preparation to sending them […]

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Federalist No. 55 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon, Virginia!  Ed and I make our home on land that once belonged to President George Washington.  His home, Mt. Vernon, is not far from our house!   I find today’s issue of the total number of the House of Representatives even more fascinating because it was the only issue on which President […]

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Federalist No. 55 Part 2 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! Juliette and I have returned from our second trip to historic Boston! I have been immersed in the joyous task of reading the hundreds of our We the People 9.17 Contest essays, as well as watching the creative videos, PSAs and listening to the wonderful songs. How fabulous it is to see […]

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Federalist No. 55 – The Total Number of the House of Representatives, From the New York Packet

A republican government is one in which the people rule—indirectly.  How, not if, the people should be represented was one of the vexing questions faced by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.  Especially tricky was determining the size of the House of Representatives, the topic Madison takes up in Federalist 55. Until the very last […]

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Federalist No. 56 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! I was a guest on a radio show this morning and I then completed reading the High School essays. Yea!! They are wonderful!! I just read Federalist Paper No. 56 and I am dashing out to feed the horses, clean stalls and drive an hour into town to pick Cathy up at […]

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Federalist No. 56 – The Same Subject Continued—The Total Number of the House of Representatives, From the New York Packet (Hamilton or Madison)

One of the criticisms raised against the Constitution was that there were too few members in the House of Representatives to adequately represent constituents. The rule reads: “The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand.” Federalist 55 argued that a representative body ought to have enough members to mitigate the threat […]

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Federalist No. 57 – The Alleged Tendency of the New Plan to Elevate the Few at the Expense of the Many Considered in Connection with Representation, From the New York Packet

Publius continues a lengthy examination of the election and composition of the House of Representatives with a response in Federalist 57 to the charge that the chamber will tend towards oligarchy. He finds this an absurdity in light of the short term of the representatives and the liberal and flexible qualifications for both those who […]

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Federalist No. 58 – Objection that the Number of Members Will Not Be Augmented as the Progress of Population Demands Considered (Madison)

James Madison wrote Federalist No. 58 to defend the construction of the House of Representatives, and in particular to refute the charge that “the number of members will not be augmented as the progress of population demands.”  This is an interesting issue and one that demands both a retrospective and contemporary analysis. He began by […]

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Federalist No. 59 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! Well, I am back at the essay desk after an intense week of having the great joy of reading so many essays! Cathy and I read through each one judiciously, as well as the poems. We also had fun listening to the fabulous songs, watching the PSAs, short films and looking through […]

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Federalist No. 59 – Cathy Gillespie

Hello from Mt. Vernon Virginia! As Janine mentioned in her essay last night, we have been very busy over the past few days reading essays and poems, viewing short films and public service announcements, listening to songs, and looking at artwork, all submitted by a diverse group of young people across the country, with theme […]

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Federalist No. 59 – Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

In a representative system of government the election of legislators is of paramount importance. Given that the legislature is to be the primary lawmaking body, the election of its members will go a long way in deciding what gets done. Thus, it is no surprise that the method by which members of the House and […]

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Federalist No. 60 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 60 continues the discussion of the federal government regulating its own elections, this time addressing specific dangers of the national government having this power. Publius takes each perceived danger and dissects it, asking rhetorically who would be favored by the federal government if the government were to favor a certain class of citizens […]

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Federalist No. 60 – Janine Turner

Howdy from mighty hot Texas! I want to thank Mr. Best for joining us today and for his insightful essay! Federalist Paper No. 60 once again reiterates the importance of checks and balances and the separation of power. If only all Americans were required to read the United States Constitution and the Federalist Papers. How […]

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Federalist No. 60 – The Same Subject Continued – Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist 59-61 address the federal power to regulate the election of senators and representatives. The clause being defended by Hamilton reads: “The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may, at any time, by law, make or alter […]

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Federalist No. 61 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! I want to thank you for joining us today and I want to thank Professor Kyle Scott for his insightful essay. We are so blessed to have such esteemed scholars donating their time to Constituting America and to all of us who are reading, blogging and eager to learn. I always strive […]

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Federalist No. 61 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon, Virginia! Thank you to Professor Kyle Scott for soaring to 50,000 feet and giving us the aerial view of Hamilton’s important point in Federalist 61!  I was in the weeds, struggling to make sense of where and when elections should be held, and the most important point of this paper sailed […]

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Federalist No. 61 – The Same Subject Continued: Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

In Federalist #61 Hamilton reveals his theory of constitutional construction in a peculiar way. Hamilton’s view of the role constitutions should serve is consistent with what modern political scientists consider vital for a long-lasting constitution. Constitutions, if they are to last, must be broad and treated with reverence. The topic of #61 is a carryover […]

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Federalist No. 62 – Janine Turner

July 22, 2010 – Federalist Paper No. 62 – Janine Turner Howdy from Texas! The day is finally here! Federalist Paper No. 62. The first Federalist Paper I ever heard quoted. The Federalist Paper that stimulated my 90 in 90 = 180 essay. This Federalist Paper that started it all. I thank you for joining […]

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Federalist No. 62 – Cathy Gillespie

In Federalist No. 62 Publius explains that the Senate was intended to be the more deliberative body.  It was designed to be very different from the U.S. House.  Senators must be older, age 30 instead of the required age 25 for the House; must have been citizens longer, nine years required for the Senate, while […]

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Federalist No. 62 – The Senate, For the Independent Journal (Hamilton or Madison)

Publius turns to an explanation and defense of the Senate, and therefore to the importance of a bicameral legislature, replacing the unicameral legislature of the Articles of Confederation government. With the Senate the Framers solved two crucial problems, one of them regarding the American regime, the other regarding the modern state. The regime problem: Can […]

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Federalist No. 63 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. I thank you for joining us today and I thank our friend, Professor Morrisey, for his wonderfully insightful essay. Responsibility. Reasonable Responsibility. These were and are the qualities needed in the Senate. These were and are the qualities needed in the American public. We, the “genius of the people,” hold in our […]

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Federalist No. 63 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon Virginia! Thank you Professor Morrisey  for your enlightening essay on Federalist 63! The methodical nature in which Publius addresses every aspect of the Constitution, and the elements of the government of the United States never cease to amaze me.   Federalist 62 explained how the Senate was to be organized: qualifications, appointment […]

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Federalist No. 63 – The Senate Continued, For the Independent Journal (Hamilton or Madison)

Federalist 63: Responsibility and the Rule of Reason A small Senate whose members serve long terms answers the need for “order and stability” in the national government, thus fostering respect for the “political system” of America—the institutional architecture of popular self-government.  In Federalist #63 Publius turns to the importance of cultivating respect for this people […]

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Federalist No. 64 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 64 begins a discussion of the powers of the Senate, specifically the power to ratify treaties. It is interesting that the Senate and the House each possess distinct powers, reflective of the founders’ view of each institution’s strengths.  The U.S. House, closer to the people, controls the “purse,” while the U.S. Senate, designed […]

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Federalist No. 64 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. Publius speaks in Federalist No. 64 “That the attention and votes will be directed to those men only who have become the most distinguished by their abilities and virtues.” Virtue. Virtue is a very beautiful word. Virtue. It is a word used quite often in the Federalist and is obviously a word […]

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Federalist No. 64 – The Powers of the Senate, From the New York Packet (John Jay)

Publius now begins his fifth and final topic respecting the Senate: its powers.  In Federalist 64 he considers the power to ratify treaties. Publius argues that the state legislatures will likely choose outstanding men to represent them in Congress.  Senators will be known to their electors, who will “not be liable to be deceived by […]

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Federalist No. 65 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. “Where is the standard of perfection to be found?” Alexander Hamilton pragmatically points to the fact in his Federalist Paper No. 65, that no man, no country, no government, no Constitution is perfect. “Who will undertake to unite the discordant opinions of a whole community, in the same judgment of it; and […]

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Federalist No. 65 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 65 defends the role of the Senate as the court of trial for impeachments.  It is fascinating that this intuitively judicial function would be delegated to the legislative branch – another example of the intricate checks and balances built into the Constitution, perfectly calibrated to preserve our liberty! In the impeachment process, there […]

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Federalist No. 65 – The Powers of the Senate Continued, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Alexander Hamilton penned three essays (Federalist 64 – 66) explaining why the U.S. Constitution invested the U.S. Senate with certain powers.  In The Federalist 65, he explains, in particular, the Senate’s role in the impeachment process, and why that body–and not the Supreme Court–had been given the authority to convict. According to the Constitution, the […]

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Federalist No. 66 – Cathy Gillespie

In Federalist No. 66, Hamilton continues his defense of the Senate’s role as court of trial in the impeachment process.  The anti-federalists believed this role concentrated too much power in the hands of the Senate.  As we work our way through the Federalist Papers, it is fascinating to have the benefit of hindsight to explore […]

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Federalist No. 66 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. To those of us who worry that the basic structure of checks and balances within our government have been tampered with, such as with the 17th amendment and may continue to be tampered with in the future, such as with the rumblings of the removal of the electoral college by circumventing the […]

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Federalist No. 66 – Objections to the Power of the Senate To Set as a Court for Impeachments Further Considered, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

In Federalist #66 Alexander Hamilton attempts to respond to objections about the new United States Senate acting as the Court in the event of impeachments of judges or executive branch officials. The first complaint raised by critics of this set up was that “the provision in question confounds legislative and judiciary authorities in the same […]

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Federalist No. 67 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! It is overpoweringly evident by reading Federalist Paper No. 67 that the volley of political spin has always existed. The ever so baneful attempts to manipulate words, laws and situations to best fit the perspective of the beholder, or party, was as evident then as it is now. The art of this […]

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Federalist No. 67 – Cathy Gillespie

“The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.”Article II, Section 2, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution. Hello from Mt. Vernon Virginia!  In Federalist No. 67, Publius vigorously defends the […]

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Federalist No. 67 – The Executive Department, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Among the 85 essays in The Federalist Papers, some of the most passionate language is in Federalist 67.  A frustrated Alexander Hamilton admits that moderation in tone in writing #67 had been a difficult task.  He denounces “writers against the Constitution” (now called Antifederalists) and accuses them of practicing “unwarrantable arts” that include disingenuousness regarding […]

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Federalist No. 68 & Federalist No. 69 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! As I read Federalist Papers No. 68 and 69 it becomes evident in a factual way how earnestly and tenaciously our founding. Constitutional forefathers strove to protect our liberties and our Republic. Once again, they based their decisions, not on rhetoric or reason but on the wisdom wrought by history. In no […]

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Federalist No. 68 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Long Beach Island, New Jersey! The Gillespies are on our family vacation, and it has been a little hard to keep up with the essays, but I am determined to catch up!  In case you are wondering, the weather has been beautiful, the water warmer than usual, and we have been visiting with […]

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Federalist No. 68 – The Mode of Electing the President, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist 68 to 72 address the election and structure of the Presidency. Who better to address that than Alexander Hamilton, whose knowledge of executive power combines with an affinity for it that caused much suspicion during his political career? The first essay is a brief foray into the Electoral College. The matter excited so little […]

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Federalist No. 69 & Federalist No. 70 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Long Beach Island New Jersey!  What fun I’ve been having reading the Federalist Papers on the beach! And what interesting looks I get from passersby who take the time to glance at the cover of my book. Federalist Papers 68-77 are especially interesting to me personally, as I have been fascinated by the […]

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Federalist No. 68 & Federalist No. 69 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! As I read Federalist Papers No. 68 and 69 it becomes evident in a factual way how earnestly and tenaciously our founding Constitutional forefathers strove to protect our liberties and our Republic. Once again, they based their decisions, not on rhetoric or reason but on the wisdom wrought by history. In no […]

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Federalist No. 69

In Federalist 69, Hamilton responds to the charge by the Constitution’s opponents that the president is an American king. He compares the powers of the “president of confederated America” (interesting phrasing) under the Constitution with those of the king of Great Britain and the governor of New York. He chooses the latter for several reasons. […]

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Federalist No. 70 – Janine Turner

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 Howdy from really hot Texas! Federalist Paper No. 70 is a rich read. Within its pages lay a thought provoking instructive that once again finds its measures readily applicable to today. Big government. This is a phrase that I had always heard, and new instinctively was a negative, but I never […]

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Federalist No. 69 & Federalist No. 70 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Long Beach Island New Jersey!  What fun I’ve been having reading the Federalist Papers on the beach! And what interesting looks I get from passersby who take the time to glance at the cover of my book. Federalist Papers 68-77 are especially interesting to me personally, as I have been fascinated by the […]

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Federalist No. 70 – The Executive Department Further Considered, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist 70 is the heart of Hamilton’s investigation of the nature of executive power. Publius returns to “energy,” a theme that he has addressed frequently in his essays as a necessary attribute of government generally, and the Union in particular. As executive power is the essence of government, energy is the essence of executive power. […]

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Federalist Papers No. 71 & Federalist No. 72 – Janine Turner

Howdy from, cooler because we had a mighty storm, Texas! Federalist Papers No. 71 and 72 are fascinating as they represent Alexander Hamilton’s perspectives regarding the Constitutional lack of term limits for the office of the Presidency. Even with the lack of limits, it is amazing, upon reflection, that only one of our Presidents ever […]

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Federalist No. 71 and Federalist No. 72 – Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Mt. Vernon, Virginia! Once again, I write from ground that belonged to our first President of the United States, and once again, George Washington is a leader, by example, on the item under discussion! Federalist Papers 71 and 72 deal with the President’s Term in Office, and the idea of Presidential Term Limits. […]

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Federalist No. 71 – The Duration in Office of the Executive, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist #71 continues with a discussion of the President, particularly the length of the presidential term in office. Hamilton lays out the concerns over term length at the beginning: if the term is too long the President will not do what is best for the nation but what is best for himself, and if too […]

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Federalist No. 72 – The Same Subject Continued, and Re-Eligibility of the Executive Considered, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist No. 71 and 72 deal with the Office of the Executive, specifically how long the President remains in office and his re-eligibility to continue to serve in the same capacity.  While Federalist 71 takes an in-depth look at the four-year duration of the Presidential term, Federalist 72 addresses the question of a sitting President’s […]

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Federalist No. 73 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 73 begins the examination of the powers of the Presidency, with a discussion of the President’s role in the legislative process, specifically, the veto.  In writing about the veto power, Publius travels back to Article I of the United States Constitution, the section of the Constitution dedicated to the legislative branch.  Nowhere in […]

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Federalist No. 73 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! Are we not the luckiest people in the world to have these precious Federalist Papers archived and at our disposal? Is it not remarkable that our founding fathers wrote 85 essays for print in their local newspapers explaining the Constitution? Are we not so very fortunate to have this guidebook to the […]

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Federalist No. 73 – The Provision for the Support of the Executive, and the Veto Power, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist # 73 continues with a discussion of the President, dealing particularly with the independence of the executive branch of government and the relevance of the veto power.  As readers will know, Hamilton, more than any other Founding Father, believes in the importance of centralized authority within the federal system, even to the extent of […]

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Federalist No. 74 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. I thank you for joining us! I have been absolutely swamped prepping pre-production for Constituting America’s RV road trip across the country!! Our winners are going to revealed throughout the next few weeks as we travel to the winners home states and film them for our documentary! Our first winner is revealed […]

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Federalist No. 74 – The Command of the Military and Naval Forces, and the Pardoning Power of the Executive, from the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist Paper 74 appeared on March 25, 1788 – readers should recall that this is roughly 6 months after the Constitution has been sent to the states for ratification.  Only one day earlier, on March 24, Rhode Island in a popular referendum rejected the Constitution by a margin of about 10 to 1(Rhode Island eventually […]

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Federalist No. 75 – Janine Turner

Howdy from the Constituting America RV! We are on the road from California to Arizona!! We filmed Jacob Wood and he is a truly special young man. Check out his music on our site and our behind the scene footage and photos. I am determined to catch up on the Federalist Papers as I have […]

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Federalist No. 75 – The Treaty Making Power of the Executive, For the Independent Journal (Hamilton)

In Federalist #75, Alexander Hamilton explains and defends the power of the President to make treaties with foreign nations “by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate.”  The treaty-making power granted in Article II section 2 involves, as Hamilton observes, another example of an “intermixture of powers,” a power shared by the President […]

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Federalist No. 76 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Arizona! We just pulled into a bus stop to get gas and our Constituting America RV Bus caught a lot of people’s attention! They love the Constitution in Arizona. Federalist Paper No. 76 enthralls me. Once again the relevancy is amazing! Who says the Constitution is not relevant today or the Federalist Papers […]

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Federalist No. 76 – Cathy Gillespie

Federalist No. 76 examines the appointing power of the Executive Branch.  One of our blog commenters, Jimmy Green, summed up this paper well today: “To keep the Executive somewhat honest the legislative branch must consent on appointments.” This same subject was discussed in Federalist 66, in the context of powers of the Senate: “It will […]

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Federalist No. 76 – The Appointing Power of the Executive, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

As a constitutional attorney asked to chat a bit about Federalist No. 76, I certainly did not expect to use knowledge gained as a U.S. Navy sailor in the 1970s from a book published in 1890 about history from the 1660s to help me explain a constitutional commentary drafted in 1788—but I will. Federalist No. […]

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Federalist No. 77 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Arizona! As I read Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist Paper No. 77, I have such an appreciation and gratitude for our founding fathers and revolutionary heroes, great and small. They fought for our independence and dignity of soul. Their bravery was no less when they had the fortitude to gather at the Constitutional Convention and […]

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Federalist No. 77- Cathy Gillespie

Greetings from Arizona!  What a beautiful state and friendly people.  We stopped to get gas, and several people wanted to know more about Constituting America – we ended up having fascinating conversations with them, about the importance of the Constitution, and their love for our country. I haven’t blogged since I arrived in California on […]

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Federalist No. 77 – The Appointing Power Continued and Other Powers of the Executive Considered, From the New York Packet (Hamilton)

Federalist 77 “complete[s] a survey of the structure and powers of the executive department,” which, Hamilton urged, “combines, as far as republican principles will admit, all the requisites to energy” the Federal Executive would require to fulfill the duties of his office.  Anticipating the skepticism of his audience, the pre-eminent Federalist added one “remaining inquiry”: […]

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Federalist No. 78 & Federalist No. 79 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Arizona! We are Constituting America across the great states of America via our Constituting America RV in celebration of our winners of our We the People 9.17 Contest. We are filming a documentary and a reality television show! Check out our winners and their works on our site. They are going to be […]

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Federalist No. 78 – The Judiciary Department, From McLEAN’S Edition, New York (Hamilton)

In Federalist No. 78, Alexander Hamilton explores the proper role of the American judiciary, as laid out in the proposed Constitution. At the time, it was widely recognized that a major defect in the Articles of Confederation was the lack of a federal judiciary. And as Hamilton points out, the only real dispute is about […]

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Federalist Paper No. 78 & 79 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Arizona! We are Constituting America across the great states of America via our Constituting America RV in celebration of our winners of our We the People 9.17 Contest. We are filming a documentary and a reality television show! Check out our winners and their works on our site. They are going to be […]

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Federalist No. 79 – The Judiciary Department Continued, From McLEAN’S Edition, New York (Hamilton)

A crucial aspect of our republican form of government is an independent judicial branch that cannot be cowed by either of the two other branches. Lifetime tenure – addressed in Federalist #78 – prohibits the president from revoking a judicial appointment should he later come to regret it. And a set salary, which cannot be […]

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Federalist No. 80 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Nebraska! We have been traveling across America in our Constituting America RV, filming our winners! We have filmed Jacob Wood in California, (check out his new video on the website – it is produced by Constituting America and directed by me and edited by me and my daughter, Juliette!) Next, we traveled to […]

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Federalist No. 80 – The Powers of the Judiciary, From McLean’s Edition, New York (Hamilton)

Federalist Paper 80 was printed in the Independent Journal in New York on June 21, 1788.  Hamilton sets out to outline the jurisdiction of the Federal judiciary as outlined in the new Constitution.  He explains that federal jurisdiction involves “all cases in law and equity arising under the Constitution, the laws of the United States, […]

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Federalist No. 81 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Wisconsin! We filmed beautiful Evita Duffy, our Best Artwork winner, in Wisconsin yesterday and now we are traveling, in our Constituting America RV, to Illinois to film our Best Essay winner! Wow. Lost of miles on the road!! We get many honks from drivers as they pass us on the road – fellow […]

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Federalist No. 81 – The Judiciary Continued, and the Distribution of the Judicial Authority, From McLean’s Edition, New York

It’s easy to think that the Federalist Papers, written 222 years ago, are dusty, outdated ramblings of men in wigs. The truth is, its issues still arise today. In his fourth of five essays on the judiciary, Hamilton addressed concerns that the proposed Supreme Court might become the supreme branch of government because it had […]

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Federalist No. 82 & Federalist No. 83 – Janine Turner

“By increasing the obstacles to success, it discourages attempts to seduce the integrity of either.” Alexander Hamilton Federalist Paper No. 83 Howdy from North Carolina! We just finished filming our We the People 9.17 Contest winner, Katie Strawinski, who won the Best Short Film Category. We filmed her at her school in Georgia and watched […]

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Federalist No. 82 –The Judiciary Continued, From McLEAN’s Edition, New York (Hamilton)

In Federalist 82, Alexander Hamilton continues his defense of the federal judicial arrangements proposed in the Constitution, focusing here upon the relation between the national and state judicial systems. In brief, Hamilton argues that the jurisdiction of the national and state courts is concurrent with respect to any issue not strictly forbidden to the states […]

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Federalist No. 83 – The Judiciary Continued in Relation to Trial by Jury, From McLEAN’S Edition, New York (Hamilton)

Federalist 83, written by Alexander Hamilton and published in July of 1788, singles out opposition to the new Constitution due to the lack of a clause requiring jury trials in civil cases.  At the time, some opponents claimed that the Constitution’s notable silence on the issue meant that the use of a jury was abolished […]

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Federalist No. 84 – Janine Turner

Howdy from Indiana! We filmed Spencer Kolsak yesterday in Illinois. He is absolutely darling, very bright and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting him and his family. We filmed in front of the oldest log cabin in Illinois, which we thought was very fitting for Illinois, since it is the home of President Abraham Lincoln. Our footage […]

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Federalist No. 84 – Certain General and Miscellaneous Objections to the Constitution Considered and Answered, From McLean’s Edition, New York (Hamilton)

Today, many speak of the Bill of Rights as if it is the whole Constitution, but that is not correct. The first ten amendments to the Constitution have taken on a very different meaning than what was envisioned. In fact, the Constitutional Convention considered and unanimously rejected a motion to draw up such a bill […]

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Federalist No. 82 & Federalist No. 83 – Janine Turner

“By increasing the obstacles to success, it discourages attempts to seduce the integrity of either.” Alexander Hamilton Federalist Paper No. 83 Howdy from North Carolina! We just finished filming our We the People 9.17 Contest winner, Katie Strawinski, who won the Best Short Film Category. We filmed her at her school in Georgia and watched […]

Educational Links (OLD)

For more information on the United States Constitution, our Founding Fathers and National Constitution and Citizenship Day on September 17, check out these websites! American Historical Theatre: http://ahtheatre.org/america/ The Civics Renewal Network: http://www.civicsrenewalnetwork.org/ National Archives Charters of Freedom-Explore our Founding Documents! http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/ Federalist Papers: Primary Documents in American History – The Library of Congress Researchers – Virtual […]

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Federalist No. 85 – Janine Turner

Federalist Paper No. 85! We did it!! Alexander Hamilton’s words express our endeavor best: “Thus have I, fellow-citizens, executed the task I had assigned to myself; with what success, your conduct must determine. I trust at least you will admit that I have not failed in the assurance I gave you respecting the spirit with […]

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Federalist No. 85 – Some Final Thoughts, From McLean’s Edition, New York (Hamilton)

In writing about Federalist No. 85 – the final paper in a lengthy series of defenses of the proposed Constitution for the United States of America – it is entirely appropriate that I have just returned from a several day visit to Colonial Williamsburg.  For that historic site epitomizes better perhaps than any other location […]

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The Amendments to the United States Constitution

The very first part of the First Amendment to our Constitution reads as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…”   What does this text (commonly known as the Establishment Clause) mean?  Does it mean the same thing today as it did when it was enacted?  Today’s post will focus on this […]

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The Amendments to the United States Constitution – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. Day 5 of the Constitution! As my daughter, Juliette said, “Technically it’s day 6 but the first day was like a “xii” in a book.” I thank you for joining us today. I am having a WONDERFUL time and I am just rather thrilled to have this opportunity to study the United […]

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The Amendments to the United States Constitution – Cathy Gillespie

Great discussion today – loved seeing some new names blogging!   Remember to invite your friends to join the conversation – and share this with your children! Encourage them to enter our We The People 9.17 Contest – sign up online ASAP – entries due July 4!  Tell high school students we especially need short films, […]

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Articles IV – VII of the U.S. Constitution

Articles IV through VII of the Constitution are, even for many educated Americans, terra incognita. People may know about the first three articles, important as they are in defining the separation of powers at the national level among the three branches and in drawing basic divisions between the national government and the states. Despite their […]

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Articles IV-VII – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. What another great day of national conversation about our United States Constitution. I thank you for joining us and I hope you read Articles IV-VII with your children and/or friend or loved one!! Don’t forget to tell your children or children you know about our We the People 9.17 Contest! Entries due […]

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Articles IV – VII – Cathy Gillespie

Thank you for reading and blogging with us today in our 90 in 90 = History Holds the Key to the Future Program!  Tomorrow is Day 5, and will be our last day on the United States Constitution before we embark upon the Federalist Papers.  Please join us in blogging on the Amendments tomorrow.  If […]

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Article III U.S. Constitution – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas. I thank you for joining us on our day 3 of the “90 in 90 = 180 History Holds the Key to the Future.” Juliette read Article III to me in the car today and I found it to be just fascinating how it all fits together like pieces of a puzzle. […]

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Article III of the U.S. Constitution – Cathy Gillespie

What an exciting first week we have had!  Articles I, II, and III of the United States Constitution, with some outstanding guest bloggers: David Bobb, Andrew Langer and Lawrence Spiwak. A big thank you today to Lawrence Spiwak for his thoughts on Article III.  Mr. Spiwak clearly explained the delicate system of checks and balances […]

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Article III of the U.S. Constitution

Article III of the Constitution provides the parameters for the third and coequal branch of the federal government: the Federal Judiciary.  Today’s posting will focus on the importance of judicial independence as contemplated by the framers. In Article III Section 1, the Constitution sets up the Supreme Court and “inferior” courts (i.e. Federal district courts […]

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Article II of the U.S. Constitution – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! Thanks for joining todays reading of Article II of the U.S. Constitution! I read it with my daughter in the car today.. well, she read it to me because I was driving! Isn’t it all fascinating? I LOVE studying the brilliance of our forefathers. I bet they are rather pleased that we […]

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Article II of the U.S. Constitution – Cathy Gillespie

A big thank you to Andrew Langer for his thoughtful post today! As I read Article II, I am struck by the incredible wisdom and foresight of the founders.   While the electoral college is true to the Republic form of government they envisioned, it is more necessary today than ever.  With massive population centers concentrated […]

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Article II of the U.S. Constitution

While much attention has been focused on Congress and Article One’s legislative powers, the Constitution provides for three branches of government and Article Two  of the U.S. Constitution outlines powers for the executive branch i.e., the office of the President and those who serve under him. In addition to enumerations of the powers to nominate […]

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Article I of the U.S. Constitution

“He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.” This complaint, however current it might sound, was lodged not against any occupant of the White House.  Rather, American revolutionaries made this claim against King George III in the Declaration of Independence. […]

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Article I of the U.S. Constitution – Janine Turner

Howdy from Texas! What a great first day of blogging. How exciting to be having a national conversation about the reading of the U.S. Constitution. Don’t forget to read it with your kids at the dinner table, in the car, before bedtime! Perhaps they will then want to enter our, “We the People 9.17 Contest” […]

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Article I of the U.S. Constitution – Cathy Gillespie

What a fantastic conversation we have going on the first day of the 90 in 90 Blog! It is fascinating to scroll through the comments, and see how knowledgable you all are! We have received several emails from teachers who are assigning participation in the reading and blogging as either course requirements or extra credit! […]

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90 in 90 = 180: History Holds the Key to Our Future

Please join us in reading the United States Constitution and Federalist Papers in 90 Days! Beginning April 20, we will be launching a 90 day project to read the U.S. Constitution and 85 Federalist Papers in 90 Days, and we will be blogging about them at www.constitutingamerica.org/blog with you, and with Constitutional Experts! We want […]

Recommended Reading List

ADULT Martin Diamond: The Revolution of Sober Expectations American Enterprise Institute: Distinguished Lecture Series On The Bicentennial of the United States Professor Randy E. Barnett An Introduction To Constitutional Law: 100 Supreme Court Cases Everyone Should Know Restoring the Lost Constitution Our Republican Constitution David Barton: Benjamin Rush: Signer of the Declaration of Independence The […]

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What Would Our Forefathers Think of America Today?

by Janine Turner I have a fantasy. It’s fascinating. It’s futuristic. It’s foretelling. My fantasy is that our country’s forefathers would miraculously appear today in America. I see them walking among us, dressed in velvet coats and knee pants, hair in a pony tails, hats in hand. Thomas Jefferson in Virginia. Alexander Hamilton on Wall […]