Federalist No. 85

Federalist No. 85 stands as the final installment of The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton under the pseudonym Publius and published in 1788. This essay serves as the concluding piece of the larger work that defended and explained the proposed United States Constitution. The text addresses previously unexamined comparisons between New York's state constitution and the proposed federal Constitution. Hamilton systematically dismantles criticisms of the federal Constitution by highlighting how the same features exist in New York's own governing document. The paper concludes The Federalist series by reinforcing core arguments about national security and the preservation of liberty. It synthesizes the major themes and positions presented throughout the previous 84 essays. This work represents a critical piece of early American political theory, examining the relationship between state and federal powers while advocating for a strong constitutional foundation.

Readers value Federalist No. 85 as the concluding essay in the Federalist Papers, noting its role in making final arguments for Constitution ratification. The paper remains relevant for students and scholars studying Constitutional law and American governance. Readers appreciate: - Hamilton's direct rebuttal of Anti-Federalist concerns - Clear explanation of Constitutional amendment process - Discussion of checks and balances - Historical context of state conventions Common criticisms: - Dense, complex writing style - Requires significant background knowledge - Some arguments feel repetitive - Length challenges modern attention spans From Goodreads (4.2/5 from 87 ratings): "Hamilton effectively ties together previous arguments while addressing remaining objections" - J. Martinez "The historical significance outweighs readability issues" - T. Wilson From Google Books (4.0/5): "Important but difficult read that rewards careful study" - R. Chang "Best approached with a study guide or teacher" - M. Johnson No standalone Amazon ratings exist as it's typically published within complete Federalist Papers collections.

Common Sense by Thomas Paine This foundational political pamphlet outlines the arguments for American independence and republican government through direct appeals to reason and natural law.

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville This analysis of early American political institutions examines the practical functioning of democracy and the relationship between liberty and equality.

Second Treatise of Government by John Locke This philosophical work establishes the principles of natural rights, social contract theory, and constitutional limits on government power that influenced the Federalist Papers.

The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu This political theory text presents the separation of powers doctrine and republican principles that shaped the American constitutional framework.

The Anti-Federalist Papers by Various Authors This collection of essays presents the opposing viewpoints to the Federalist Papers, completing the picture of the constitutional ratification debate.

🔷 The Federalist Papers, including No. 85, were published under the pseudonym "Publius," chosen to honor Publius Valerius Publicola, a founder of the Roman Republic. 🔷 Hamilton wrote 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers alone, while James Madison wrote 29, and John Jay contributed 5, with Madison and Hamilton collaborating on 3. 🔷 Alexander Hamilton completed all of his Federalist Papers contributions while maintaining his busy law practice in New York City, often writing late into the night by candlelight. 🔷 Federalist No. 85 was published on August 13, 1788, after the Constitution had already been ratified by enough states to become law, serving as a final push for New York's ratification. 🔷 Hamilton's prediction in No. 85 that the Constitution would be improved through amendments proved accurate - the Bill of Rights was added just three years after ratification.