Among other functions, political theory justifies power, limits on power, rights, and limits on rights. The Federalist Papers are thus not only the original political theory of the U.S.
Constitution, but also some of the greatest political theories the world has known. Written mostly by Madison and Hamilton, these 84 essays aimed to convince key state
conventions to ratify the proposed Constitution of 1787. To understand what they were responding to, we begin with a walk through the Constitution and an overview of leading arguments by the Antifederalists, who opposed its ratification. The bulk of the course will then examine key passages from the first 44 Federalist Papers. With sufficient interest, part two of this course will focus on the final 40 essays in Fall 2018. Those who take this course will deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution at a time when that understanding is as important as ever.