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Politics

The Federalist

10 lessons

6.5h total length

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Discover the enduring principles of good government and the impressive structure of the American Constitution.

In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people.

This course includes ten lectures, each about 30 minutes long. Complete the course and receive a certificate by watching the lectures and taking the short quizzes that follow. Study guides are provided to supplement each lecture. You can engage in conversations with other students on the dedicated discussion board. Take the course at your own pace and in the manner that best fits your schedule. 

Enroll in “The Federalist” today to rekindle the vigilance needed to preserve republican self-government. 

Taught by:

Ronald J. Pestritto, Charles and Lucia Shipley Professor in the American Constitution

Released 2025.

GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP PROVIDED BYthe LeRoy Thom, Jean Thom and T-L Foundation, Inc.

Lessons in this course

31:29

lesson 1

Publius and The Federalist

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote The Federalist to urge ratification of the Constitution and teach the principles of good government.

38:25

lesson 2

The Anti-Federalists

The Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the Constitution because they feared a large, centralized government. They lost the immediate debate but succeeded in securing a Bill of Rights.

24:52

lesson 3

The Extended Republic

Publius argues that the Constitution incorporates many improvements to the science of politics, including a larger territory from which to draw the best talents.

29:54

lesson 4

The Problem of Majority Faction

A faction is any group that pursues an interest opposed to the rights of citizens or the interest of the community. The causes of faction are sown into man’s nature. The extended republic and representation help prevent majority factions.

30:26

lesson 5

Human Nature in The Federalist

Publius recognizes that men are neither angels nor beasts. Man is “ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious,” but also is capable of sufficient virtue to make republican government possible.

24:52

lesson 6

The House of Representatives

The House of Representatives provides direct accountability to the people in the legislature.

27:49

lesson 7

Why the Articles of Confederation Failed

The Articles of Confederation were weak. The Constitution must provide sufficient power to the government and prevent it from abusing that power.

31:12

lesson 8

The Senate

The Senate provides stability to the government and accountability for the far-reaching effects of laws, which contribute to our national character in the eyes of foreign nations.

26:45

lesson 9

The President

The executive requires energy, efficiency, and dispatch to enforce the laws that are passed by the legislature.

30:02

lesson 10

The Courts and the Bill of Rights

The courts must be independent to decide particular cases without undue influence. The separation of powers is a safeguard against tyranny, but the security of a republic lies in the vigilance of the people.

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