Federalist 70 by Alexander Hamilton

Introduction

• Focuses on the necessity of a single executive (president) for the functioning of the government.
• Response to Anti-Federalist concerns about monarchical power.
• Anti-Federalists proposed a council of executives to prevent tyranny.

Argument for a Single Executive

• Energy in the Executive:
  • Hamilton's main argument is the need for energy, which is essential for good government.
  • A single executive can act quickly and decisively, unlike the legislative branch which is slow and deliberate.

Benefits of Energy

1. Unity

   • One executive ensures decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch.
   • More executives lead to less energy and diminished office effectiveness.
   • Historical examples show multiple executives lead to division and hinder effectiveness.
   • In emergencies, division among executives could impede critical measures.

2. Responsibility

   • A single executive makes it clear who is accountable for actions and decisions.
   • In a system with multiple executives, it becomes difficult to pinpoint responsibility for mismanagement or failures.
   • Ensures people know who to blame and replace if the executive acts corruptly.

Conclusion

• Despite risks of monarchical power, a single executive better fulfills the role with energy and decisiveness.
• Clear accountability in case of corruption or failure.

Additional Resources

• Review packet available for a deeper understanding and exam preparation.

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This summary provides a high-level overview of the key points from Federalist 70, focusing on Hamilton's justification for a single executive and its benefits.