Ratification Debates Redux

The Federalist Papers: Still Relevant?

AP U.S. Government & Politics

Summer Assignment 2017

Welcome to AP United States Government & Politics. This course is designed to give you ananalytical perspective on government and politics in our country. We begin with a study of the constitutional foundations of American Government. Why is this important? According to the CollegeBoard,

The study of modern politics in the United States requires students to examine the kind of government established by the Constitution, paying particular attention to federalism, the separation of powers, and checks and balances. Understanding these developments involves both knowledge of the historical situation at the time of the Constitutional Convention and an awareness of the ideological and philosophical traditions on which the framers drew. Such understanding addresses specific concerns of the framers: for example, why did Madison fear factions? What were the reasons for the swift adoption of the Bill ofRights? Familiarity with the United States Supreme Court’s interpretation of key provisions of the Constitution will aid student understanding of theoretical and practical features of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Studentsshould be familiar with a variety of theoretical perspectives relating to the Constitution, such as democratic theory, theories of republican government, pluralism, and elitism.

Your summer assignment requires you to examine twoessays from The Federalist Papers and apply their principles to current political events.

The authors and supporters of the Constitution of 1787 foresaw that a clear-cut vote against it in the State ratifying conventions would destroy at birth the young nation’s most important experiment in popular government. Alexander Hamilton, in an energetic effort to win over his home State, began a series of essays explaining and defending the Constitution. These were published in New York City newspapers under the pseudonym Publius.

Hamilton was aided by contributions from two other advocates of a new and energetic national government, James Madison and John Jay. The efforts of these three men resulted in The Federalist Papers—an authoritative analysis of the Constitution of the United States and an enduring classic of political philosophy that takes its place in history beside the Constitution itself.

Assignment

1.Read Federalist10 and 51 (see the attached link).

2. Summarize Federalist 10 in one or two paragraphs. Analyze the main points and principles that Madison puts forth.

3. Select a news article (timeframe of July – August 2017) from a reputable source. In one or two paragraphs, summarize the article and explain how the issues it discusses are relevant to Federalist 10.

4. Summarize Federalist 51 in one or two paragraphs.

5. Select a news article (timeframe of July – August 2017). In one or two paragraphs, summarize the article and explain how the issues it discusses are relevant to Federalist 51.

This assignment must be typed and submitted on the first day of class.