The United States Constitution Symbol in The Federalist Papers

For the authors of The Federalist Papers, the United States Constitution symbolizes a decisive break from the failures of the Articles of Confederation and the beginning of a stronger, more unified nation. Whereas the Articles of the Confederation represent disorder, inefficiency, and ineffective governance, the Constitution stands as a symbol of renewal and national stability. In The Federalist Papers, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay argue that the Articles have left the country weak, vulnerable to foreign threats, and paralyzed by internal divisions. They present the Constitution, in contrast, as a transformative document, one that ushers in a new era of centralized authority, economic prosperity, and functional governance. Madison, in Federalist No. 10 and No. 51, uses the Constitution as proof that government can be structured to control factions and balance power without descending into tyranny. Hamilton, in Federalist No. 23–36, portrays it as the only means to provide for defense, taxation, and commerce, replacing the ineffectual system that left the country in economic ruin. Jay, in Federalist No. 2, sees it as a unifying force that will preserve America’s independence by preventing the states from fragmenting. In their eyes, the Constitution is more than law—it is a symbol of progress, ensuring that the United States can govern itself without succumbing to the chaos of its past and the tyranny from which it escaped.

The United States Constitution Quotes in The Federalist Papers

The The Federalist Papers quotes below all refer to the symbol of The United States Constitution. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

The Importance of the Constitution Theme Icon

Yes, my countrymen, I own to you that, after having given it an attentive consideration, I am clearly of opinion it is your interest to adopt it. I am convinced that this is the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness. I affect not reserves which I do not feel. I will not amuse you with an appearance of deliberation when I have decided. I frankly acknowledge to you my convictions, and I will freely lay before you the reasons on which they are founded.

Related Characters: Alexander Hamilton (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 5

Explanation and Analysis:

Unlock explanations and citation info for this and every other The Federalist Papers quote.

Plus so much more...

Already a LitCharts A⁺ member?Sign in!

The error which limits republican government to a narrow district has been unfolded and refuted. Our governments are not to be framed upon a calculation of existing numbers only, but upon a calculation of the proper number of inhabitants, which the territory may contain. We have seen the necessity of the Union, as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which have subverted the liberties of the Old World.

Related Characters: James Madison (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 61

Explanation and Analysis:

We may indeed, with propriety, be said to have reached almost the last stage of national humiliation. There is scarcely anything that can wound the pride or degrade the character of an independent nation which we do not experience. Do we owe debts to foreigners and to our own citizens contracted in a time of imminent peril for the preservation of our political existence? These remain without any proper or satisfactory provision for their discharge. Have we valuable territories and important posts in the possession of a foreign power, which, by express stipulations, ought long since to have been surrendered? These are still retained, to the prejudice of our interests not less than of our rights.

Related Characters: Alexander Hamilton (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 67

Explanation and Analysis:

The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the people. The streams of national power ought to flow immediately from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority.

Related Characters: Alexander Hamilton (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 107

Explanation and Analysis:

It is a misfortune, inseparable from human affairs, that public measures are rarely investigated with that spirit of moderation which is essential to a just estimate of their real tendency to advance or obstruct the public good.

Related Characters: James Madison (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 169

Explanation and Analysis:

The proposed Constitution […] is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal Constitution, but a composition of both. In its foundation, it is federal, not national; in the sources from which the ordinary powers of the government are drawn, it is partly federal and partly national.

Related Characters: James Madison (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 187

Explanation and Analysis:

The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, such as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce; with which last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State.

Related Characters: James Madison (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 277

Explanation and Analysis:

The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny. Were the federal Constitution, therefore, really chargeable with this accumulation of power, or with a tendency to such accumulation, no further arguments would be necessary to inspire a universal reprobation of the system.

Related Characters: James Madison (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 235

Explanation and Analysis:

Let the case of the slaves be considered, as it is in truth, a peculiar one. Let the compromising expedient of the Constitution be mutually adopted, which regards them as inhabitants, but as debased by servitude below the equal level of free inhabitants, which regards the slave as divested of two fifths of the man.

Related Characters: James Madison (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 269

Explanation and Analysis:

The judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them. The Executive holds the sword of the community, the legislature commands the purse […]. The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society.

Related Characters: Alexander Hamilton (speaker)

Related Symbols: The United States Constitution

Page Number and Citation: 379

Explanation and Analysis:

The United States Constitution Symbol Timeline in The Federalist Papers

The timeline below shows where the symbol The United States Constitution appears in The Federalist Papers. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Leadership and Representation Theme Icon

Alexander Hamilton begins by emphasizing the importance of adopting the new Constitution, arguing that the decision will determine whether Americans can establish a government through reason and... (full context)

The Necessity of a Strong Union Theme Icon

Federal Power vs. States Rights Theme Icon

...the people ultimately became tyrants themselves. He makes it clear that he supports the new Constitution, believing it is the best path to national stability and security. He outlines the topics... (full context)

John Jay argues that adopting the new Constitution is one of the most important decisions Americans will make. Government is necessary, and people... (full context)

...of liberty would become inevitable. He urges Americans to set aside minor objections to the Constitution and recognize that rejecting it would likely end the Union, leaving them vulnerable to the... (full context)

...preserving local independence, which suppresses unrest and deters foreign threats. He counters claims that the Constitution centralizes power by emphasizing its preservation of state governments within a federal system. Historical examples,... (full context)

...with interests opposed to the common good—and argues that a strong Union under the proposed Constitution is the best way to control their effects. Factions arise naturally from differing opinions and... (full context)

...back against fears that the new government will abuse military power, pointing out that the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to fund and regulate the army. Since military... (full context)

...asserts that fears of a standing army leading to tyranny are exaggerated because the U.S. Constitution includes strong safeguards against military abuse. He acknowledges that throughout history, some governments have used... (full context)

...tyranny. He argues that all governments—state and federal—are restrained by the principles of justice, the Constitution, and the people’s ability to elect their leaders. He also points out that state governments... (full context)

...mean state governments will lose their own taxing power. He reassures readers that under the Constitution, both state and federal governments can levy taxes independently, except in cases where the Constitution... (full context)

Alexander Hamilton defends two key provisions of the Constitution: the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause. He argues that these clauses are... (full context)

...needs, both in the present and in the future. He rejects the idea that the Constitution should limit the government’s ability to raise revenue, explaining that national priorities—especially defense—can change over... (full context)

James Madison shifts the discussion from taxation to a broader defense of the Constitution, addressing the difficulties faced by the framers in creating a government that balances power, stability,... (full context)

...enough to govern effectively and restrained enough to protect individual freedoms. He explains that the Constitution seeks to achieve this balance by dividing power between the national and state governments, as... (full context)

James Madison claims that those who criticize the Constitution fail to recognize the challenges involved in creating a new government. He compares the Constitutional... (full context)

Madison criticizes opponents of the Constitution for being inconsistent. Some claim the new government gives too much power to the national... (full context)

James Madison explains how the Constitution creates a government that is both national and federal, balancing power between the people and... (full context)

...about whether the new government is too centralized. He explains that some aspects of the Constitution, such as the election of the House of Representatives, are national because they are based... (full context)

...reason because the final decision rested with the people, who would ratify or reject the Constitution through state conventions. He argues that adherence to legal technicalities should not come before the... (full context)

James Madison discusses worries over the Constitution giving too much power to the federal government. He says that every government must have... (full context)

...powers too much would leave the country weak and unstable. He criticizes opponents of the Constitution for exaggerating the dangers of federal power while ignoring the risks of a government too... (full context)

James Madison explains why the Constitution expands the powers of the federal government, particularly in areas related to foreign policy, commerce,... (full context)

James Madison outlines several additional powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution and explains why they are necessary for a stable and effective nation. He defends Congress’s... (full context)

...also defends the constitutional amendment process, which allows elected leaders to make changes to the Constitution while ensuring stability. Finally, he argues that the Constitution’s authority comes from the people, making... (full context)

James Madison defends key provisions of the Constitution that critics fear give too much power to the federal government. Madison writes that these... (full context)

...Also, Madison defends the requirement for government officials to take an oath to support the Constitution, arguing that loyalty to the national framework is essential for stability. He acknowledges that some... (full context)

James Madison explains that the powers the Constitution gives to the federal government are not a threat to the states. Instead, they are... (full context)

...on the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Critics of the Constitution worry that if these branches are not kept entirely separate, it could lead to tyranny.... (full context)

...that the real danger is not occasional overlap but unchecked power within one branch. The Constitution prevents this by ensuring that each branch has ways to counterbalance the others. For example,... (full context)

...separation of powers alone is not enough to prevent government overreach. Simply stating in the Constitution that each branch is independent will not stop one branch from attempting to dominate the... (full context)

To prevent this, the Constitution gives the executive and judicial branches ways to resist legislative overreach. For example, the president’s... (full context)

...of the system, using political momentum to push for harmful changes. Madison instead supports the Constitution’s amendment process, which allows for change but requires careful deliberation. He says that a government... (full context)

...the government, it would prevent the government from functioning effectively. Instead, Madison argues that the Constitution’s internal system of checks and balances is the best way to maintain accountability. Each branch... (full context)

James Madison explains how the Constitution’s structure ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful. He argues that because... (full context)

...they also give lawmakers enough time to govern effectively. Madison also reassures critics that the Constitution guarantees fair elections by ensuring they are regulated at both the state and federal levels,... (full context)

...government counts population for representation and taxation, particularly regarding enslaved people. He explains that the Constitution’s three-fifths compromise, which counts enslaved individuals as part of the population for determining representation and... (full context)

...the House of Representatives is designed to grow over time as the population increases. The Constitution provides a mechanism for adjusting representation based on the national census, ensuring that as the... (full context)

...the House ensures that representatives will have enough knowledge and accountability to govern effectively. The Constitution creates a system that balances the need for broad representation with the practical necessity of... (full context)

...class from dominating it. While no government is immune to corruption, Madison insists that the Constitution’s structure—especially the system of regular elections and public accountability—ensures that representatives will remain connected to... (full context)

...critics that this power is meant as a safeguard, not a tool for oppression. The Constitution ensures that elections remain fair by allowing both state and federal oversight, preventing any one... (full context)

...certain groups. By giving Congress the ability to regulate its own elections when necessary, the Constitution protects the integrity of the democratic process. (full context)

...abuse and could elect new representatives to reverse any unfair laws. Hamilton asserts that the Constitution ensures a balanced system in which no one entity can monopolize power over elections, keeping... (full context)

Hamilton also defends the Constitution’s flexibility in allowing Congress to modify election laws when necessary. He reassures critics that this... (full context)

...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... (full context)

...of New York, who, at the time, held broader executive powers. He argues that the Constitution holds the president’s authority in check, preventing any one person from accumulating excessive control. The... (full context)

...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,... (full context)

...poorly designed, or harmful to national interests. By allowing the president to reject legislation, the Constitution prevents hasty or misguided decisions from becoming law. However, Hamilton reassures critics that the veto... (full context)

...the confirmation process provides a strong check on such actions. By requiring Senate approval, the Constitution ensures that appointments are made in the public’s best interest, balancing executive authority with legislative... (full context)

...an administration filled only with those who personally support the executive. Hamilton argues that the Constitution strikes a careful balance—giving the president enough control over appointments to ensure efficiency while involving... (full context)

...judicial review, asserting that courts must have the authority to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution. Without this power, he warns, Congress could pass unconstitutional legislation without any legal restraint. The... (full context)

...a tool to pressure judges into making politically favorable rulings. By guaranteeing stable salaries, the Constitution ensures judicial independence. This, in turn, allows judges to rule fairly without fear of financial... (full context)

...will serve honorably. He states that these protections maintain an impartial judiciary that serves the Constitution rather than political interests. (full context)

...under its jurisdiction. He argues that the national courts must handle disputes that involve the Constitution, federal laws, treaties, cases affecting ambassadors, maritime issues, and conflicts between states or citizens of... (full context)

...would dominate the government by striking down laws at will, but Hamilton argues that the Constitution carefully limits the Court’s authority. The Court cannot create laws, enforce decisions, or control government... (full context)

Hamilton continues discussing the relationship between state and federal courts, clarifying that the Constitution does not eliminate state judicial authority. Instead, state courts will continue to handle most legal... (full context)

Alexander Hamilton addresses concerns that the Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to trial by jury in all civil cases. In... (full context)

Alexander Hamilton responds to critics who argue that the Constitution should include a Bill of Rights. He contends that such a document is unnecessary because... (full context)

...specific rights might imply that those not mentioned are unprotected. Instead, he argues that the Constitution’s limitations on government power are a stronger safeguard against tyranny than any written declaration of... (full context)

...paper of the series, Alexander Hamilton makes a last argument in favor of ratifying the Constitution, writing that while it may not be perfect, it is the best framework available for... (full context)

The Federalist Papers

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

The United States Constitution Symbol Analysis

The United States Constitution Quotes in The Federalist Papers

The United States Constitution Symbol Timeline in The Federalist Papers