The Federalist Papers
Essays on Militia, Armed Citizens, and Constitutional Safeguards
Overview
The Federalist Papers were written to persuade New York to ratify the Constitution. Several essays directly address concerns about standing armies, militia organization, and the balance of power between federal and state governments—issues central to understanding the Second Amendment.
Historical Impact
Though written as political advocacy, the Federalist Papers are considered the most authoritative contemporary interpretation of the Constitution's original meaning. The Supreme Court has cited them over 400 times.
Most Relevant to Second Amendment
Federalist No. 29 - Concerning the Militia
Hamilton's defense of federal militia regulation and his famous assertion that an armed citizenry prevents government tyranny.
"If circumstances should at any time oblige the government to form an army of any magnitude that army can never be formidable to the liberties of the people while there is a large body of citizens, little, if at all, inferior to them in discipline and the use of arms..."
- Defines "well regulated" as properly trained
- Armed citizens check standing armies
- Citizens expected to provide own arms
Federalist No. 46 - Federal vs State Power
Madison's calculation that 500,000 armed citizens would overwhelm any federal army of 25-30,000 troops.
"Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation... [European] governments are afraid to trust the people with arms."
- Americans uniquely armed vs Europe
- Half million armed citizens vs 30,000 troops
- Armed citizenry prevents tyranny
Other Relevant Essays
Federalist No. 8 - Consequences of Hostilities
Warns about dangers of militarized states and standing armies in peacetime.
"The continual necessity for their services enhances the importance of the soldier, and proportionably degrades the condition of the citizen."
Federalist No. 23 - Federal Powers
Argues federal government needs adequate powers for defense.
"The means ought to be proportioned to the end... there ought to be no limitation of a power destined to effect a purpose which is itself incapable of limitation."
Federalist No. 24 - Military Establishments
Defends Constitution's military provisions against Anti-Federalist criticism.
"The legislature of the United States will be OBLIGED... once at least in every two years, to deliberate upon the propriety of keeping a military force on foot."
Federalist No. 25 - Defense Powers
Continues defense of federal military authority.
"The United States would then exhibit the most extraordinary spectacle which the world has yet seen—a nation incapacitated by its Constitution to prepare for defense."
Federalist No. 28 - Federal-State Balance
Discusses how states can resist federal tyranny.
"Power being almost always the rival of power, the general government will at all times stand ready to check the usurpations of the state governments."
Federalist No. 34 - Concurrent Taxation
Addresses state sovereignty concerns.
"An entire consolidation of the States into one complete national sovereignty would imply an entire subordination of the parts."
Federalist No. 35 - Taxation Continued
Further discussion of federal-state relations.
"The State governments... will generally possess the confidence and good-will of the people."
Federalist No. 41 - General Powers
Justifies military powers granted to federal government.
"Security against foreign danger is one of the primitive objects of civil society. It is an avowed and essential object of the American Union."
Federalist No. 45 - Federal vs State Powers
Argues state powers remain strong under Constitution.
"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite."
Understanding the Context
The Ratification Debate
The Federalist Papers responded to Anti-Federalist concerns about:
- Standing Armies: Fear of military oppression
- Federal Power: Worry about centralized tyranny
- Militia Control: Concern about federal dominance
- Individual Rights: Absence of Bill of Rights
The Authors' Strategy
Hamilton and Madison argued that:
- Structural safeguards made tyranny impossible
- Armed citizens provided ultimate security
- States retained significant power
- Bill of Rights was unnecessary (later reversed)
Important Note
Despite Federalist assurances, Anti-Federalists demanded explicit protections, resulting in the Bill of Rights including the Second Amendment.
Supreme Court Citations
Second Amendment Cases
The Federalist Papers feature prominently in Second Amendment jurisprudence:
| Case | Federalist Papers Cited | Purpose of Citation |
|---|---|---|
| DC v. Heller (2008) | Nos. 29, 46 | Meaning of "well regulated," armed citizens |
| McDonald v. Chicago (2010) | Nos. 46, 28 | Fundamental nature of right |
| NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) | No. 46 | Historical understanding |
How to Cite This Page
General Citation: The Federalist Papers (Clinton Rossiter ed., 1961).
This Page: SecondAmendment.net. (2024). The Federalist Papers - Second Amendment Collection. Retrieved from https://secondamendment.net/primary-sources/federalist-papers/