The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers

by

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

The Federalist Papers: Federalist No. 67 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Alexander Hamilton lays out his vision of the executive branch, beginning his defense of the presidency. He addresses concerns that the president’s powers resemble those of a monarch, arguing that these fears are based on misunderstandings. Although some worry that the president’s ability to appoint officials and issue pardons gives him excessive influence, Hamilton clarifies that the Constitution carefully limits these powers. For example, while the president nominates federal officers, the Senate must confirm them, preventing unchecked executive appointments.
Hamilton uses this essay to dismantle the fear that the presidency mirrors monarchy, focusing particularly on misconceptions about the executive’s appointment powers. His strategy is to expose how opponents inflate presidential authority to stoke public anxiety. By emphasizing the Senate’s role in confirming appointments, Hamilton illustrates the system’s layered checks, positioning the presidency as a component within a broader framework rather than a singular, dominating force.
Themes
Hamilton also dispels the notion that the president can create laws or override the legislature. Unlike European monarchs, the American president does not have the power to rule by decree or dismiss elected officials at will. The presidency is structured to ensure accountability, with elections preventing any single leader from holding office indefinitely. Hamilton maintains that while the office is powerful, it is far from the absolute rule that critics have feared.
Hamilton’s careful comparison between the president’s powers and those of monarchs serves as a rhetorical tool to deflate the emotional charge behind anti-Federalist critiques. He strips away the symbolic associations of monarchy—like absolute control over appointments and lawmaking—to show that the American executive is structurally incapable of becoming a king-like figure.
Themes
LitCharts Logo

Upgrade to unlock the analysis and theme tracking for all of The Federalist Papers!