YOUR CONSERVATIVE LIBRARY

From time to time we will be presenting to you the books that you should have in your library to help you understand and explain to others what American Conservatism is, where it came from, and why it is the right American ideology.

Our First Recommendation:

The Federalist Papers
-James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

First published in New York as a series of newspaper articles meant as an argument in favor of the adoption of the US Constitution, this book is indispensable for understanding the prevailing thoughts of just what our Constitution means.

Certainly there were Founders who disagreed with adopting the Constitution (and the anti-Federalist Papers should be read as well to find out why), but those in favor won the day and this book will help you see what those Founders meant when they created that important document.

This is a “conservative” book only in that it explains the Constitution so that you, as a conservative constructionalist idealist, may interpret the Constitution properly and can refute those who wish to continually “discover” new meanings and false rights (like the “right” of abortion, for instance).

James Madison, Republican from Virginia and fourth president, is often called the Father of the Constitution. Madison kept extensive notes on the Constitutional Convention and was closely involved in the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Aside from John Adams, few other Founders were as often in the thick of the creation.

Alexander Hamilton, Federalist from New York, was the chief architect of our economic system and was one of the most energetic Founders. He is often not given the credit for his efforts he deserves.

John Jay, Federalist from New York and first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, offered only but a few of the entries of the book, but ws a well known and respected member of our Founding brotherhood.

Te best printing of the book is the one from the Liberty Fund and can be found at:
http://www.libertyfund.org/details.asp?displayID=1638
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Copyright Publius Forum 2001