Don’t forget everyone; Hamilton knows about Greece and Rome.  Hamilton begins his arguments in Federalist Paper No. 9 with another reference to Greek and Roman democracies to establish his historical “street-cred”.  He then points to how the science of politics has evolved, and how the Anti-Federalists have mischaracterized the arguments of Montesquieu.  The guys discuss Montesquieu, and how his ideas provided a foundation for the Constitution.  Justin points out Hamilton seems to suggest...

In this episode Cary and Justin address Hamilton’s concerns that if the States fail to unite, they will devolve into a state of perpetual militarization and war between themselves.  Cary discusses why large states like New York need to be concern with the smaller states.  Hamilton warns of the dangers of over militarization, and how this can lead to the suppression of liberty and personal freedoms.  Justin discusses how Hamilton’s themes resonate today with the case of Rumsfeld vs. Padilla,...

Can you hear us now Mr. Hamilton?  The guys are back with improved audio after having recovered from Hamilton’s mental melee in Federalist No. 6.  In this episode, Justin and Cary discuss how the states at the time are like modern day children fighting over an iPad.  Hamilton references the Pennamite-Yankee Wars between the citizens of Pennsylvania and Connecticut as an example of why a stronger federal government is needed.  Justin questions if doing so was a blunder, or a bold strategic...

Justin and Cary welcome Hamilton back to the debate.  Hamilton returns with a litany of historical references, and at times seems annoyed with having to spell things out for the Anti-Federalists.  The guys break through the references to Hamilton’s basic arguments that individuals can cause nation states to have conflict with each other, and that the Anti-federalists are wrong to assume commercial republics are immune from war.  But has history proven the Anti-Federalists right?  Or at least...

In this episode, John Jay walks right into the Anti-Federalists’ critique after once again overselling a historical reference.  This time it’s the Scottish union to England.  The Anti-Federalists respond on behalf of the proverbial “common man”.  Can Jay handle their populist arguments?  Jay warns of America’s decent into another version of Europe, and argues how the powers of Europe at the time would have preferred a fractured America. He believes the Articles of Confederation sets America...

Contrary to modern economic theory, in Jay’s mind, international markets are a zero-sum game.  There are winners, and there are losers.  Although Jay attempts to focus on economic concerns in No. 4, he just can’t help but return to his foreign policy arguments.  He pays the price as Cary calls him out for rehashing his earlier points.  Cary dives into Jay’s reference to “just causes of war” by explaining Thomas Aquinas’ three factor test.  The focus shifts to foreign trade, debt, and the...

In this episode, the doctors of NYC flee, shots are fired, and severe head trauma ensues (in 1788 no less)!  All of this before we find out how the Sultanate of Morocco ties into Federalist No. 3.  The guys continue their critique of Jay, allowing for only a modicum of relief due to his injuries, before attacking Jay’s hypothesis that our new country will be led by philosopher kings and warrior poets.  The Anti-Federalists are heard to cry foul at Jay’s straw man argument.  And in the end,...

After Justin launches an assault on John Jay's depiction of American life in October 1787, Cary has to come to Jay's aide.  While the guys agree with Jay's assertion that the thirteen states had rivers and traded goods, debate remains as to Jay's intent in his depiction of a homogonous citizenry.  Was John Jay a “man of his time” trying to appeal to commonality, or a purveyor of “alternate facts” who argues for a government based upon a homogeneous people? "Farwell [Mr. Jay]!, A long farwell...

Justin and Cary discuss Hamilton's dramatic outline for the Federalist Papers, and read between the lines of Hamilton's Anti-Federalist spin as he lets you know the Anti-Federalists hate America.

Justin and Cary discuss the context of the Federalist Papers by highlighting events leading up to their publication. They also compare the Constitution advocated by the Papers to America's original governing document, The Articles of Confederation.

Practicing attorneys Justin and Cary discuss why they decided to examine the Federalist Papers, as well as talking about the structure of the podcast. A "behind the scenes" look at the inspiration for the podcast.