In Our Time cover image

In Our Time

The Federalist Papers

Nov 9, 2023
Frank Cogliano, a Professor of American History, Kathleen Burk, a Professor Emerita of Modern and Contemporary History, and Nicholas Guyatt, a Professor of North American History, dive into the creation and significance of The Federalist Papers. They discuss the historical context following the American Revolution and the foundational debates surrounding state versus national governance. The trio elaborates on key themes like the challenges of the Articles of Confederation and the ongoing relevance of Hamilton and Madison's arguments, which remain central to today's political discourse.
50:41

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Federalist Papers played a pivotal role in shaping American political thought and influencing public opinion during the ratification process.
  • The need for a stronger national government and a unified vision of the country became apparent in the aftermath of the American Revolution, leading to the drafting of the Constitution.

Deep dives

The Importance of the Federalist Papers in Shaping the American Constitution

The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays written in support of the new US Constitution, played a pivotal role in shaping American political thought. The essays were authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, and their anonymity added to the intrigue surrounding their arguments. The essays discussed the need for a stronger national government and explored the benefits of a republican democracy. Federalist 10, for example, made the case for a large republic to counter factionalism and promote the common good. The Federalist Papers were instrumental in influencing public opinion during the ratification process. Although they didn't have a significant impact in New York, where opposition to the Constitution was strong, they helped solidify the principles behind the Constitution and continue to be influential in American jurisprudence today.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode