discussion post

Federalist Papers #1-8

Federalist 1: a. preservation of the union b. reflection and choice vs. accident and force c. combining patriotism with philanthropy d. the obstacles of interests and of prejudices stemming from jealousies and fears e. the jealousy of liberty is a dangerous zeal capable of succumbing to demagogues

Federalist 2: a. the foundations for a united people

i. providence of the land and people a. same customs b. fighting together against tyranny c. common attachment to the country d. trusted patriots of 1774

Federalist 3: a. the necessity for a united people

i. threat from foreign enemies ii. must obey treaties iii. weakness invites aggression iv. states are too weak to punish treaty and law breakers v. states too easily offended and ready for war

Federalist 4: a. pressing dangers

i. monarchies wage war arbitrarily a. Spain and Great Britain are threatened by American trade

ii. Need a unity of command to fight them

Federalist 5: a. the example of Great Britain

i. civil war from fear and envy of neighbors ii. foreigners are invited in

Federalist 6: a. problem of civil war continued

i. personal interests, jealousies, and fears cause public wars ii. in commercial republics violent passions and immediate interests are

in the leaders iii. commercialism does not end violence

Federalist 7: a. causes of strife between states

i. territorial disputes a. crown lands in the west

b. commercial competition i. trade protection and breaking those protections ii. duties iii. public debt iv. drawn into European politics through state alliances

Federalist 8: a. Europe, America, and the Republics of Greece

i. Europe a. standing armies b. fortresses c. difficult to desolate and overturn

ii. America a. desultory and predatory wars affecting individuals b. populous states taking over weaker states c. stronger and weaker states learn the art of war and

defense d. standing armies become necessary

iii. Greek Republics a. people are not given to industry because they are

threatened from without and within b. everyone is militaristic

b. confederacy will cause internal and external threats requiring large armies that will subordinate civilian life to military life.