Dr. Beienberg returns to explore Federalist No. 70, examining Hamilton's nuanced arguments for a strong executive branch within a balanced constitutional system. The discussion clarifies common misconceptions about the "unitary executive" theory and illustrates why the founders designed the presidency for efficient implementation rather than policy creation.
• Hamilton's core argument in Federalist 70-72 emphasizes the need for a "strong and vigorous executive" but with specific limitations
• The founders designed deliberative legislatures to make policy and energetic executives to implement it
• Executive power primarily concerns executing laws, not creating domestic policy
• The "unitary executive" concept ensures accountability rather than expanding presidential authority
• Presidents cannot legitimately refuse to enforce laws or create policy unilaterally under Hamilton's vision
• Hamilton and Madison disagreed about the extent of executive authority in foreign policy
• Modern misinterpretations of Federalist 70 often overlook the founders' careful institutional design
Check Out the Civic Literacy Curriculum!

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership

Center for American Civics