Federalist No. 70 Practice
Which two great securities does a plural executive tend to deprive the people?
1) Restraints of public opinion 2) Opportunity of discovering with facility and clearness the misconduct of the people they trust
What constitutes republican "safety"?
1) due dependence on the people 2) due responsibility
How can the unity of the executive be destroyed?
1) having more than one person in charge with equal power 2) having one man controlled by a council
Who wrote Federalist No. 70?
Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton argues that irresponsibility of a plural executive would lead to what?
Censure & Punishment
Why does a republic not need a council?
Collusion; Power abused by a small group of men is more dangerous than by one man. Councils clog magistrates' good intentions and hides his faults.
The proceedings of ONE man can best be characterized by?
Decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch
What can having two or more presidents versus one lead to?
Different opinions, animosity, destroys responsibility, creates divisions in government, splits the community
According to Hamilton in Federalist No. 70, what is a primary characteristic of good government?
Energy
What is considered the most necessary qualification of the executive?
Energy
How are decisiveness and quick action good qualities when exercised by the executive?
Energy and quick decisions may be necessary in the realm of national security. Having a committee deliberate in this area would be harmful to the execution of measures o keep the country safe. This is in opposition to the deliberate and slower process that contributes to good lawmaking.
Why is this energy especially important in the arena of national security?
Energy needed to act quickly and decisively is important in matters of national security. A delay caused by disagreement among members of a committee could endanger the security of the country.
What is wrong with a "feeble" executive?
Feeble executive --> bad execution --> bad government
What is the main idea of Federalist No. 70?
Hamilton argues that an energetic single executive will protect against foreign attacks, provide for the administration of laws, and protect liberty and property.
Why, according to Hamilton, is a strong presidency beneficial to the people?
It is essential to protect the community against foreign attacks; steady administration of laws to protect property; secure liberty against enterprises & assaults of ambition, faction, anarchy
What does Hamilton argue that a multiple (plural) executive would do to the concept of responsibility?
It would destroy it and make it impossible to determine the blame. "He did it! No, he did it! etc."
When was Federalist No. 70 written?
March 18, 1788
What were the only two states with one executive?
New York New Jersey
What are the responsibilities of the president that make "energy in the executive" necessary?
Protecting the country against attack; carrying out the law faithfully; protecting property rights and other freedoms
How does Hamilton view the processes and interactions of the legislature?
The processes and interactions in the legislature are rightly slow and deliberate. The process is designed to prevent an overreach of power by the majority. Hamilton views this as a positive thing. Deliberation and compromise mark a healthy lawmaking process.
What does history have to say about single versus multiple executives?
There is no real advantage in having more than one executive (example Rome)
What does Hamilton assume that all sensible men will conclude?
They will agree that it is necessary to have a president/executive with some significant powers ("energy").
Why does a king need a constitutional council?
To take responsibility for his actions; a substitute for responsibility. It's bad because the executive doesn't actually take any action.
What are the ingredients that constitute "energy" in the executive?
Unity; duration; guaranteed compensation; competent powers
Should the expense of a multiple executive be considered? According to Hamilton, why or why not?
Yes, because 6 or 12 will cost taxpayers more.
