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Federalist No. 70
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Federalist Papers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Importance of the Constitution
The Necessity of a Strong Union
Leadership and Representation
Checks and Balances
Federal Power vs. States Rights
Summary
Analysis
Alexander Hamilton discusses the length of the presidential term, defending the four-year duration set by the Constitution. Critics argue that a shorter term would make the president more accountable to the people, but Hamilton counters that frequent elections would undermine stability and decision-making. A president must have enough time to implement policies effectively without constantly worrying about re-election. He also warns against a system where the executive is too dependent on public opinion, as this could lead to leaders prioritizing popularity over good governance. By giving the president a four-year term, the Constitution ensures a balance between accountability and stability. This duration allows the president to act in the nation’s long-term interest rather than being pressured into making short-sighted decisions to satisfy immediate public demands.
Hamilton’s argument for a four-year presidential term focuses on protecting the executive’s independence and capacity for decisive action. He rejects the idea that the president should constantly adjust policies to align with immediate public opinion, instead prioritizing the need for stability and long-term planning. By giving the president time to implement policies without the constant pressure of re-election, Hamilton ensures that executive decisions serve the broader national interest rather than short-term political trends. His approach treats the presidency as both a guardian of public interest and a check against the volatility of popular sentiment, maintaining balance between democratic accountability and the need for strong, consistent leadership.
Themes
