Making a Great America
Welcome to "Making a Great America," a podcast dedicated to exploring the meticulous thought and effort that went into the design of the Constitution of the United States.
This series is intended as a non-partisan historical review, aimed at enlightening listeners of all political persuasions about the foundational principles of our government. Our goal is to share the rich history behind the Constitution and the reasons why understanding this history is crucial for the survival of our republic.
During the fall of 1787 and the spring of 1788, three remarkable men—John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison—worked tirelessly to write a series of essays known as the Federalist Papers. These essays were crafted to convince the citizens of the newly independent states to ratify the Constitution, establishing a constitutional republic that balanced power and safeguarded liberties. Their efforts were instrumental in shaping the framework of the government we know today.
In "Making a Great America," we do not argue for or against any political position.
Instead, we aim to report history accurately, informatively, and with easy listening.
By delving into the writings and ideas of the Founding Fathers, we provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the Constitution's origins and the profound care taken to ensure a balanced and fair government. Our episodes are designed to be engaging and accessible, making complex historical concepts easy to grasp.
We believe that knowledge of our government and its creation is essential to its continued survival. As such, we encourage you to subscribe to our podcast and share it widely with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, let's foster a greater appreciation for the history that continues to shape our nation.
Benjamin Franklin explained to a curious woman after the continental congress finished about what kind of government was created.
His response: "A Republic . . . . IF you can keep it!"
Making a Great America
Introduction: Exploring the Federalist Papers: Foundational Insights on American Governance
Ever wonder how the United States' foundational ideas continue to shape our modern governance? Join me, Charlie Jett, as I uncover the true significance of the Federalist Papers in crafting the bedrock of American democracy. We revisit the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the visionary efforts of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay forged essays that not only advocated for a new Constitution but also meticulously outlined enduring principles of governance. Through Hamilton's call for a formidable central government, Madison's strategies on managing the intricacies of a large republic, and Jay's focus on unity and justice, these founding figures laid the groundwork for a nation still grappling with the same questions of power and governance today.
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on key Federalist Papers, dissecting their relevance and impact on contemporary political structures. Hamilton's Federalist No. 70 champions the necessity of a dynamic, singular executive, while Madison's No. 39 navigates the fine line between federal and national elements inherent in the Constitution. We also evaluate the foresight of these essays against today's realities, such as the evolving role of the Electoral College and the persistent challenge of factions. Despite shifts in interpretation and application, the Federalist Papers' core insights into human nature and governance remain as pertinent as ever, guiding the principles that underpin our political landscape.
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Hello and welcome to the introductory episode of the Making of a Great America. I'm your host, charlie Jett, and I'm speaking to you from the vibrant heart of beautiful downtown Chicago. Now, have you ever wondered why our government is structured the way it is? Do you know that, despite our political polarization in this country, we all share the same history of why we have a government that has not only survived but thrived for over 230 years, thus enabling America to become the greatest country on earth? Have you ever thought about the minds behind this remarkable achievement, the founding fathers, and what monumental issues they grappled with as they designed a system of government to protect freedom while ensuring security from both domestic and domestic threats? Well, like you, I certainly have, and like most of you, I'm just an ordinary citizen who once took an oath to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States, both foreign and domestic, and I intend to do just that Now.
Speaker 1:Many of you might remember, when Benjamin Franklin exited the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, a concerned woman approached him and inquired well, dr Franklin, what have we got? A republic, ora monarchy. Franklin's famous reply was a republic man, if you can keep it Now. This exchange highlights the framers belief that the success of the newly formed government depended on the vigilance and active participation of its citizens. Its survival depended on the knowledge of citizens about why we have the government we have. Franklin's response underscores the fragile nature of the Republic and the responsibility placed on the people, the citizens, to maintain and protect their democratic institutions. Fundamentally, that exchange points out why I'm doing this podcast series. I'm sharing something that all of us can agree upon, no matter if we are red or blue, democrat or Republican our shared history of how we got this wonderful country we have and why we should join together to preserve and protect it.
Speaker 1:Now, in this podcast, we're not just reviewing history. We're stepping into the shoes of three remarkable men who worked tirelessly to persuade a young nation to embrace a newly drafted constitution. Let's begin by setting the stage. It's the late 1780s and the United States is a brand new country, fresh off winning independence from Britain. But guess what? Things aren't exactly smooth sailing. The Articles of Confederation, our first attempt at a national government, just aren't cutting it. We've got states squabbling, no real way to pay our debts and overall it's just kind of a mess. So enter stage right the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. Picture it A bunch of brilliant minds gathered in a hot room sweating and debating how to create a government that might actually work. Among these brainiacs are three heavy hitters Alexander Hamilton, james Madison and John Jay. They've participated in drafting the new constitution, and the next challenge is to persuade the states to ratify this new document. But not everyone is on board. Some folks think that this new constitution gives way too much power to the central government. They're worried about losing the freedoms they just fought a war to win, and it's going to take some heavy persuasion to bring them on board. So three men step forward to take on the task. Now let's get to know them Hamilton, madison and Jay, the authors of the Federalist Papers.
Speaker 1:First Alexander Hamilton. Now Alexander Hamilton, with his fiery passion and relentless drive, saw the Union as the only way to prevent chaos that he feared from separate states. An immigrant who rose from humble beginnings to become a key architect of American foreign policy, hamilton's life story is a testament to the power of determination and intellect. In Federalist no 1, he throws down the gauntlet, challenging the people to rise to the occasion, he says. It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country to decide the important question whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice. Hamilton wasn't just writing for his time. He was writing for all time, urging future generations to understand the gravity of their decisions and the necessity for a strong, effective government that was capable of uniting the states and ensuring national prosperity.
Speaker 1:Next, james Madison. He was a cerebral Virginian known for his meticulous attention to detail and profound understanding of political theory, and he tackled the thorny issue of factions in Federalist no 10. Madison's role in drafting the Constitution and his insights into the dangers of factions highlight his visionary thinking. He warned that factions driven by self-interest could tear apart the fabric of the republic. His solution was a large republic where diverse interests could balance each other out. He said Madison's vision was one where a robust framework of government could harness the diversity of its people to maintain stability and protect liberty. Stability and protect liberty. His essays reveal a man dedicated to creating a government that could adapt to changing circumstances while preserving fundamental liberties.
Speaker 1:And third, john Jay Jay, the seasoned diplomat and jurist, brought a calm, rational voice to the debates. His emphasis on unity and justice underscored his belief in the rule of law and the importance of a fair, impartial government. In Federalist no 2, he reminded the people of their shared destiny. When he wrote, nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government. Jay argued that a strong, united government was essential for maintaining peace and protecting the nation from external threats. His essays paint a picture of a country that must stand together or risk falling apart. Jay's contribution to the Federalist Papers reflect his commitment to building a nation grounded in the principles of equity and shared purpose, thus highlighting his deep commitment to the ideals of unity and justice.
Speaker 1:Now these three men Alexander Hamilton, james Madison and John Jay poured their intellect, their passion and their hope into the Federalist Papers, crafting arguments that have withstood the test of time. So how did they do it? Well, they had limited technology during that time the quill and paper. The only media available to them on a mass scale consisted of pamphlets and newspapers no radio, no internet, no TV. Their action plan was to sit down and write a series of persuasive essays to explain and defend this shiny new constitution and hope that people would read them. Now these essays are now what we call the Federalist Papers.
Speaker 1:But you know they didn't sign their own names to these essays. They wrote under the pseudonym Publius and they did so for several reasons. First, historical significance Publius Valerius Publicola was a key figure in the establishment of the Roman Republic, known for his support of republicanism and opposition to tyranny. By using this pseudonym, the authors aligned themselves with the principle of republicanism and civic virtue, evoking the historical context of fighting for a representative form of government. Second, a unified voice Writing under a single pseudonym allowed the three authors to present their arguments in a cohesive and unified manner. It minimized any potential distraction or debate about the individual author's identities and emphasized the collective support for the new constitution.
Speaker 1:Third, a focus on ideas. By remaining anonymous, the authors ensured that readers focused on the content and merit of their arguments rather than on the personal reputations or political positions of Madison, Hamilton and Jay. This approach was intended to promote an objective evaluation of the proposed Constitution based upon reason and logic. And fourth, political sensitivity At the time, there was considerable debate and contention surrounding the ratification of the Constitution. Writing anonymously provided a layer of protection from direct political repercussions and personal attacks, thus allowing the authors to argue freely and persuasively without immediate backlash. And finally, using the pseudonym Publius, madison, hamilton, jay and Jay were able to effectively advocate for the ratification of the Constitution while emphasizing the principles of republicanism and engaging readers on the strength of their arguments. So throughout the fall of 1787 and the spring of 1788, these three men were quite busy. Together they wrote 85 essays, each of which we'll discuss in this podcast series. The essays covered the waterfront and to whet your appetite about what's in store, I'm going to share with you seven that stand out from the rest.
Speaker 1:First, we'll start with Federalist Paper no 1. Written by Alexander Hamilton. In this first essay, alexander Hamilton sets the stage for the arguments to come. He introduces the necessity of the new Constitution and outlines the critical issues that will be discussed in subsequent papers. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong federal government to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation. He argues that a unified government is essential for the nation's security, prosperity and liberty. Hamilton also warns against the dangers of dissension and factionalism, advocating for a rational and informed debate about the proposed Constitution. This introductory paper is crucial as it frames the entire series and highlights the urgency and significance of the task ahead.
Speaker 1:Secondly, federalist no 10, written by James Madison. Federalist no 10 is one of the most famous and influential of all the Federalist papers. In this essay, madison addresses the problem of factions and how a large republic can mitigate the dangers they pose. He defines factions as groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community. Madison argues that factions are inevitable due to the nature of man, but their effects can be controlled. A large republic, he explains, can better guard against the dangers of factions than a small one, because it can encompass a better or greater variety of interests and opinions. This diversity makes it less likely that a majority faction will form and oppress minority rights. Madison's argument in Federalist no 10 is a key defense of the extensive republic opposed by the Constitution.
Speaker 1:Federalist no 51, again written by James Madison. Here Madison discusses the structure of the government and the importance of checks and balances. He explains how the Constitution's separation of powers among the legislative, executive and judicial branches is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch is given specific powers and responsibilities as well as mechanisms to check the others. Madison argues that this system of checks and balances is necessary to maintain liberty and prevent tyranny. He also emphasizes the importance of a compound republic where power is divided between the federal and state governments. This division further protects individual rights by creating multiple layers of oversight and accountability. Federalist number 51 is a fundamental explanation of how the Constitution aims to create a balanced and fair government.
Speaker 1:Next is Federalist number 78, written by Alexander Hamilton. Here, hamilton focuses on the judiciary branch and the concept of judicial review. Hamilton argues for the independence of the judiciary, stating that judges must be able to make decisions based on the law and not be influenced by political pressures. He supports lifetime appointments for judges and thus ensures that they can act impartially and safeguard the Constitution. Hamilton explains that the judiciary is the weakest of the three branches of government because it has no influence over either the sword or the purse. Its power lies in its ability to interpret laws and ensure they are in line with the Constitution. Judicial review is thus presented as a vital mechanism for protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law. Federalist number 78 is a cornerstone in understanding the role and the importance of an independent judiciary.
Speaker 1:Next, federalist number 70, written by Alexander Hamilton. In Federalist 70, hamilton advocates for a single energetic executive leader the president. He argues that a single executive is essential for accountability, effective administration and and protection against foreign attacks. A single president, as opposed to an executive council or multiple leaders, can act more decisively and be held more accountable for their actions. Hamilton explains that a plural executive would lead to conflicts, slow decision-making and a lack of responsibility. He believes that a strong executive is necessary to enforce laws, to conduct foreign policy and ensure national security. The essay emphasizes the need for a president who is both powerful enough to lead and is restrained by constitutional checks and balances to prevent tyranny. Federalist number 70 is critical in explaining the rationale behind the constitutional design of the executive branch.
Speaker 1:Next, federalist number 39, written by James Madison. Here, madison explores the nature of government established by the Constitution, particularly its republican character. Madison defines a republic as a government that derives its power from the people and is administered by representatives elected by the people. He argues that the proposed constitution meets this definition and blends federal and national elements. Madison explains that the House of Representatives is directly elected by the people, ensuring a national character, while the Senate is chosen by state legislatures, preserving a federal character. This duality is designed to balance the interests of the states with the need for a unified national government. Madison also addresses concerns about the extent of federal power. Madison also addresses concerns about the extent of federal power, reassuring that the Constitution grants only limited and enumerated powers to the federal government. Federalist number 39 is crucial in understanding the federalist structure and republican principles of the new Constitution.
Speaker 1:Finally, our last example is Federalist no 84, written by Alexander Hamilton. Here Hamilton addresses the objection that the Constitution lacks a Bill of Rights. He argues that a Bill of Rights is unnecessary and even potentially dangerous. Hamilton asserts that the Constitution itself is a Bill of Rights because it outlines the limited powers of the government and protects individual liberties through its structure. He contends that explicitly listing certain rights might imply that any unlisted rights are not protected. Additionally, hamilton explains that many state constitutions do not have separate Bills of Rights, yet they still protect individual freedoms. He emphasizes that the Constitution's design, with its checks and balances and separation of powers, inherently safeguards liberty. Federalist number 84 is significant for its argument against the need for a Bill of Rights and its defense of the constitutional framework as a protector of these individual rights. So that's a sampling of what's coming in this series.
Speaker 1:The Federalist Papers led the philosophical and structural groundwork for the US Constitution, but some of the ideas and predictions made by Hamilton, madison and Jay did not necessarily pan out as envisioned. Now, here are a few key areas where reality diverged from their expectation. First of all, the best men in government, as articulated in Federalist 10 and 57. In government, as articulated in Federalist 10 and 57. The expectation James Madison suggested that a larger republic would filter out unfit candidates, allowing only the best men to assume important roles. He believed that the electoral process would naturally elevate those of superior virtue and wisdom. In reality, over time, the rise of career politicians and the influence of money and special interest groups have complicated this vision. The prevalence of gerrymandering, political dynasties and partisanship often means that election outcomes are influenced more by political maneuvering and less by a candidate's merit or virtue.
Speaker 1:Next, the Electoral College, as articulated in Federalist Paper no 68. Alexander Hamilton argued that the Electoral College was designed to prevent unqualified candidates from assuming the presidency by having a small group of informed electors make the final decision. He believed this method would ensure a president chosen for capability and virtue. Now, in reality, the electoral college system has been criticized for not reflecting the popular vote, as seen in several elections where the candidate who won the popular vote did not win the presidency, for example, in the 2000 and 2016 elections. Additionally, the winner-take-all approach from most states can marginalize votes and lead to unequal representation of the electorate's will.
Speaker 1:Next, the election of senators, as articulated in Federalists 62 and 63. The expectation the original design had state legislatures electing senators to ensure that states had a direct role in the federal government, maintaining a balance between state and federal interests. Amendment ratified in 1913 shifted the election of senators to a popular vote, which aimed to reduce corruption and increase democracy. However, this change also meant that senators became more like representatives subject to popular opinion and special interests influences, potentially undermining the balance between state and federal power which was envisioned by the framers.
Speaker 1:Next, factions and political parties Federalist number 10. Here, madison acknowledged the inevitability of the factions, but believed that a large republic would mitigate their harmful effects by diluting the power across a wider array of interests and representatives. In reality, the US has developed a strong two-party system, often leading to significant political polarization. Instead of mitigating factionalism, the party system has sometimes exacerbated it, leading to gridlock and partisanship that can impede effective governance. And finally, checks and balances. In Federalist 51, the expectation Madison emphasized the importance of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This system was designed to foster cooperation and compromise among the branches. In reality, while checks and balances have generally functioned as intended, there have been periods of significant tension and conflict between branches. For example, executive overreach, legislative gridlock and judicial activism have all, at times, disrupted the balance and led to questions about the effectiveness of the system.
Speaker 1:Now let's talk about for a second, about relevance of the Federalist Papers today. Why should we care about these essays today? Well, because the issues that Hamilton, madison and Jay grappled with are timeless. They dealt with questions of power, governance and human nature, questions that still resonate in our political discourse. The Federalist Papers offer a lens through which we can better understand the principles underlying our Constitution and the ongoing challenges of maintaining a democratic republic. Now, as we explore these essays down the line, we'll see how their insights can apply to contemporary issues. For example, hamilton's warning about the dangers of disunion can be reflected in today's polarized political climate can be reflected in today's polarized political climate. Jay's emphasis on unity and collective security remains relevant as we navigate global threats. Madison's analysis of factions and the importance of checks and balances are crucial as we consider the balance of power within our government.
Speaker 1:So now you have a taste of what's to come, whether you are red or blue. Join me as we embark on this thrilling ride through history. This is something that we can talk about in a civil tone, and then we can marvel together at the brilliance of what our founding fathers created. Together, we'll uncover the making of a great America, understanding not just the historical facts but the profound ideas and principles that continue to guide us today. So buckle up and get ready for an exciting exploration of the birth of our nation through the eyes of its founding architects. Let's dive into the past and gain a deeper appreciation of the legacy that they left us and the enduring strength of the American spirit, and join together to keep it Now. Join us next time as we jump into Federalist Paper number one and see what Alexander Hamilton had to say about the importance of a strong union. Until then, stay curious, stay informed and keep striving for a great America. Thank you.