The Federalist Papers

In this episode of "In Our Time" from BBC Radio 4, Melvyn Bragg leads a discussion with Frank Cogliano, Kathleen Burk, and Nicholas Guyatt about the Federalist Papers. The conversation explores the historical context of the papers, written in support of the new US Constitution in 1787, and the roles of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in their creation. The panelists delve into the threats faced by the newly independent United States from European powers, the motivations behind drafting a new constitution, and the core arguments presented in the Federalist Papers, including the famous Federalist No. 10. They also discuss the papers' influence on the ratification process, their impact on American political thought and judicial review, and their relevance in shaping the nation's understanding of republican democracy. The discussion extends to the complexities of slavery and the displacement of Native Americans, and the enduring ambiguity of the Constitution.