Federalist 1 Summary Written by Donald Mellon
The Federalist Essays Summary No. 1: Hamilton
October 27 1787
Hamilton begins the discussion of the entire 85 papers by identifying the critical issue that the draft constitution is meant to answer in the affirmative. He asks the reader to consider the truth of, in his words, “whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force”. Certainly it would be a great misfortune of mankind if this were not true.
But there are many with reasons noble and not so noble who will oppose the draft. Preparations for these negative arguments are given through a discussion of why there are detractors and by envisioning what the detractors will say in general terms and how to react when this “ torrent of angry and malignant passions will be let loose”. It is liberty that is at stake and the papers will try to convince all to adopt the constitution by unambiguous and truthful arguments.
A short synopsis of what the following papers will address, the utility of the Union to one’s political prosperity, the insufficiency of the present Articles of Confederation, how the proposed constitution is true to principles of republican government, and how it will preserve liberty and property is given with the assurance that all objections will be answered. The reader is left with the disturbing thought that a failure to adopt the new constitution may result in the dismemberment of the Union.
