Unpacking the Federalist Papers

#14 The document is up for ratification.  States should communicate its effectiveness and consider the happiness of citizens.  It's up to each state to decide.Summary of Federalist paper 14 and some background on founding father, Rufus King.  

This episode highlights the European history related to Flanders that Hamilton uses as an analogy to what could occur here if the Constitution isn't adopted  

Background on Irish Catholic immigrant in the 1700s who became one of seven immigrant signers of the Constitution.  His descendant is my friend!

Some facts about the early life of Hamilton, support in his youth, and how he came to the mainland from the islands for his education and the founding of our nation.

Mary gives a wider introduction for the podcast, then Alexander Hamilton's reasons why the country will make each state better as a union.  Hamilton's intentions were firm, and he aims to convince his colleagues.  He knows the prior confederation wasn't working, and the proposed constitution will preserve our liberty and property.  Therefore he's writing to clarify why the constitution should be ratified.  

 A look into the Fort that bears the name of the President of Continental Congress, Henry Laurens.  He  advocated for the end of slavery.  His son John was an aide to Gen. Washington and was held as a POW by the British off the coast of South Carolina, where he died fighting for our United States.  Laurens promoted the constitution in alignment with the Federalist Papers, but did not sign for S. Carolina.  He retired, even though he was asked to serve further for the new nation.  He had lost his fortune and his son to the cause.  Thank you, Henry Laurens.  

John Jay states his thoughts on one Federal Government in order to protect and defend the US as listed in the Constitution.  He gives reasons that promote diplomacy for peace, and the rationale of having one central defense rather than one per state.  Mary G. reminds us to get to know our families and neighbors for a more peaceful existence.

Some say Federalist Paper number Ten is among the most important.  Here, James Madison adds to Hamilton's writings (#9) from a few days earlier.  Madison lays out strong reasons for the style of government that is a republic with checks and balances.