(Possible) Essay: Federalist #45

Front 1

Criticism to Constitution said:

Back 1

The critics of the U.S. Constitution worry that too much power has been placed in the central government under the proposed plan of government.

Front 2

Invigoration of Original Powers

Back 2

Madison writes that the new Constitution does not in principle enlarge the powers of the Federal government, but merely renders that government more effective in carrying out its existing duties. Central to administering these powers, Madison argues, is the power to tax. Madison also argues that the National Government is indeed subservient to the State Governments, yet the Federalist structure serves as a method of disguising this truth. Madison argues that the National Government must rely on the states to pass amendments, and the states themselves can propose and pass amendments at their choosing.

Front 3

Federal powers are few and defined

Back 3

The idea that the reach of the federal government would be restricted to a few enumerated powers is articulated by Madison in Federalist No. 45: "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."

Front 4

BASICALLY...

Back 4

Madison is reassuring the states that yes, the federal government will have power but it will have strict, definitive limits, while states had much more power to do what they wanted.