85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay under the pseudonym Publius arguing for ratification of the US Constitution — the most sophisticated work of American political philosophy — addressing federalism, separation of powers, republican government, and human nature.
Provides the authoritative interpretation of the Constitution's meaning from its framers — Federalist No. 10 (Madison on factions) and No. 51 (ambition must counteract ambition) articulate the realist theory of republican government: you cannot make men virtuous, so you must design institutions that channel self-interest toward the common good.
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