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THE FEDERALIST PAPERS

Alliances and Appeasement
If one was attacked, would the others fly to its succor, and spend their blood and money in its defense? Would there be no danger of their being flattered into neutrality by its specious promises, or seduced by a too great fondness for peace to decline hazarding their tranquillity and present safety for the sake of neighbors? Although such conduct would not be wise, it would, nevertheless, be natural. History abounds with such instances, and it is not improbable that what has so often happened would, under similar circumstances, happen again.

Were these the words of the Allies talking about the failure of appeasement? No. What prompted John Jay to write these prophetic words?

Read about it in Federalist Paper No. 2.

The Nature of Man
Madison warned that the causes of faction are sown in the nature of man. Their zeal for different opinions have divided them into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more likely to vex and oppress each other than to cooperate for their common good. Does a pure democracy avoid this problem or did Madison propose a different form of government?

Find out in Federalist Paper No. 10.

The Weakest Branch
Hamilton wrote that the judiciary is the weakest of the three departments of power. It has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. However, if the judiciary can declare legislative acts to be void, is it truly the weakest branch?

Read more in Federalist Paper No. 78.

Also check out:
Presidential Impeachment.
Taxes.