AP U.S.

Government and Politics Analytical Reading Activities

The Federalist No. 70

While Hamilton argues at length against a committee council sharing

executive powers, this essay has been excerpted here to narrow the focus
on why investing power in the presidency will not threaten the liberty of
Americans, but would actually provide a way to protect individual rights.
As you read, focus on Hamilton’s argument and the implications of that
argument as reflected in the Constitution.

The Executive Department Further Considered

From the New York Packet
Tuesday, March 18, 1788.

Author: Alexander Hamilton

To the People of the State of New York:

Academic Vocabulary
THERE is an idea, which is not without its advocates, that a vigorous Use what you’ve already learned
Executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government. The and context clues from the reading
enlightened well-wishers to this species of government must at least hope to define republican government.
that the supposition is destitute of foundation; since they can never admit
its truth, without at the same time admitting the condemnation of their own
principles.

Source Analysis
Highlight or underline why,
according to Hamilton, a strong
presidency is beneficial to the
people.

Connect to Content
Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good
government. It is essential to the protection of the community against What are the responsibilities of the
president that make “energy in the
foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady administration of the
executive” necessary?
laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high-handed
combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice; to
the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of
faction, and of anarchy.

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AP U.S. Government and Politics Analytical Reading Activities

Every man the least conversant in Roman story, knows how often that Source Analysis
republic was obliged to take refuge in the absolute power of a single Underline where Hamilton
man, under the formidable title of Dictator, as well against the intrigues argues that weakness in the
of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny, and the seditions of executive results in a bad or weak
whole classes of the community whose conduct threatened the existence of government.
all government, as against the invasions of external enemies who menaced
the conquest and destruction of Rome.

There can be no need, however, to multiply arguments or examples on this

head. A feeble Executive implies a feeble execution of the government.
A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a
government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice,
a bad government.

Taking it for granted, therefore, that all men of sense will agree in the Check Your Understanding
necessity of an energetic Executive, it will only remain to inquire, what What does Hamilton assume that
are the ingredients which constitute this energy? How far can they be all sensible men will conclude?
combined with those other ingredients which constitute safety in the
republican sense? And how far does this combination characterize the plan
which has been reported by the convention?

Source Analysis
Contrast the information in the
last paragraph on this page with
what Hamilton says about Rome in
the first paragraph. What does he
mean by “safety in the republican
sense”? Use the space below the
third paragraph to compose your
answer.

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AP U.S. Government and Politics Analytical Reading Activities

The ingredients which constitute energy in the Executive are, first, unity; Check Your Understanding
secondly, duration; thirdly, an adequate provision for its support; fourthly, Rewrite the four “ingredients”
competent powers. of executive energy in your own
words in the space below this
passage.

The ingredients which constitute safety in the republican sense are, first, a
due dependence on the people, secondly, a due responsibility.

Those politicians and statesmen who have been the most celebrated Source Analysis
for the soundness of their principles and for the justice of their views, Paraphrase Hamilton’s argument
have declared in favor of a single Executive and a numerous legislature. explaining the implications of
They have with great propriety, considered energy as the most necessary having a single person executive
qualification of the former, and have regarded this as most applicable to versus a committee.
power in a single hand, while they have, with equal propriety, considered
the latter as best adapted to deliberation and wisdom, and best calculated
to conciliate the confidence of the people and to secure their privileges and
interests.

That unity is conducive to energy will not be disputed. Decision, activity,

secrecy, and despatch will generally characterize the proceedings of one
man in a much more eminent degree than the proceedings of any greater
number; and in proportion as the number is increased, these qualities will
be diminished. … Connect to Content
Underline ways in which
Hamilton’s description of the
executive matches the way
presidents function in our
government today. Use the space
below the last paragraph to expand
on and explain the implications of
one of these actions or functions.

propriety: appropriateness or suitability

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AP U.S. Government and Politics Analytical Reading Activities

... In the legislature, promptitude of decision is oftener an evil than a Source Analysis
benefit. The differences of opinion, and the jarrings of parties in that How does Hamilton view the
department of the government, though they may sometimes obstruct processes and interactions of the
salutary plans, yet often promote deliberation and circumspection, and legislature?
serve to check excesses in the majority. When a resolution too is once
taken, the opposition must be at an end. That resolution is a law, and
resistance to it punishable.

But no favorable circumstances palliate or atone for the disadvantages of

dissension in the executive department. Here, they are pure and unmixed.
There is no point at which they cease to operate. They serve to embarrass
and weaken the execution of the plan or measure to which they relate, from
the first step to the final conclusion of it.

Check Your Understanding

They constantly counteract those qualities in the Executive which are the
How are decisiveness and quick
most necessary ingredients in its composition, vigor and expedition, and action good qualities when
this without any counterbalancing good. exercised by the executive?

In the conduct of war, in which the energy of the Executive is the bulwark Source Analysis
of the national security, every thing would be to be apprehended from its Why is this energy especially
plurality. important in the arena of national
security?

salutary: positive or beneficial

palliate: to reduce or ease the effects of
atone: to make amends

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AP U.S. History Analytical Reading Activities

After You Read

Thinking Like a Political Scientist

Reasoning Process: Process

Describe the characteristics or traits that Hamilton views as essential in the
executive.

According to Hamilton, how is a president with power and energy not only
important to good government but also critical to protecting the rights of
the people?

Political Science Disciplinary Practices

Source Analysis
Using what you’ve learned about the American governmental system
established in the Constitution, how did Hamilton’s argument affect
political institutions?

How did Hamilton’s argument affect political behaviors?