Othman, Kareem
Period 2
The Federalist A
Federalist A, written by Alexander Hamilton, serves as an introduction to "The
Federalist Papers." In this essay, Hamilton sets out the purpose of the papers, which was to
encourage the ratification of the United States Constitution. He argues that the American
experiment's success depends on the people's ability to create a strong and effective
government and that the Constitution is the best way to achieve this goal. Hamilton also
acknowledges that there are many objections to the Constitution, and he pledges to address
them in subsequent essays. He explains that the authors of the papers are not infallible and
that their arguments should be subject to scrutiny and criticism. However, he believes that
the Constitution is the best system of government that can be created under the
circumstances and that the people of America should support it. Overall, the Federalist A
lays out the framework for the rest of the papers and sets the tone for the following
arguments.
Hamilton argued that a strong central government was necessary for the success of
the new nation. They believed that a system of checks and balances, in which each branch of
government could limit the power of the others, would prevent any one person or group
from becoming too powerful. The essays also addressed specific concerns about the
Constitution, such as the power of the federal government to tax and the role of the
judiciary.
Feeble: lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
Formidable: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or
capable.
Menaced: threaten, especially in a malignant or hostile manner.
Dilatoriness: slowness as a consequence of not getting around to it.
Zealous: showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.