Federalist #70 The Federalist Papers in Modern Language,” paraphrased by Marshall Overstedt*
While Hamilton argues at length against a committee council sharing executive powers, this essay has been excerpted here to narrow the focus on why investing power in the presidency will not threaten the liberty of Americans, but would actually provide a way to protect individual rights.
As you read, focus on Hamilton’s argument and the implications of that argument as reflected in the Constitution.
Executive Summary: This is the fourth of eleven essays written by Hamilton defending the Presidency against the “unfairness” of the Antifederalist “representations.” The essay opens with the Antifederalist concern “that a vigorous Executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government.” Hamilton’s response is that “energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government.” He explores two questions. A) What are the “ingredients which constitute energy in the executive?” B) How far can these ingredients be combined with other ingredients which constitute safety in the republican sense? A) There are four ingredients of energy: I Unity, II Duration, III Adequate Provision for Support, and IV Competent Powers. B) There are two ingredients of republican safety: I “A due dependence on the people,” and II “A due
responsibility.”
To the People of the State of New York:
SOME CONSIDER a vigorous Executive inconsistent with republican government. Republicans cannot accept this supposition without condemning of their own principles.
Executive energy is a leading feature of good government. It is essential in defending against foreign attacks, enforcing the laws and protecting property and liberty.
The Roman republic was often forced to take refuge in the absolute power of a dictator against the intrigues of ambitious forces who threatened the existence of all government, as well as invasions of external enemies. There have been many such crises through the ages.

A feeble Executive implies feeble administration, which is another phrase for bad government.
Taking for granted, therefore, that all sensible men agree on the necessity of an energetic Executive, we need only ask: what are the ingredients of this energy? How can and should they be mixed with the ingredients of “safety” in the republican sense? And how does this combination relate to the plan reported by the convention?
The ingredients of Executive energy are:
● Unity.
● Duration.
● Public support.
● Competent powers.
A republican’s definition of “safety” includes:
● A due dependence on the people.
● A due responsibility.
Politicians and statesmen most celebrated for their sound principles and just views favor a single Executive and a large legislature. They, rightly, consider energy the most vital Executive qualification and believe it is best applied by a single hand. Also rightly, they consider a large legislature best adapted to deliberation and wisdom, and best designed to earn and hold the people’s confidence and protect their rights and interests.
That unity generates energy is not disputed. Decision, activity, secrecy and speed generally characterize the actions of one man;

the opposite is true of a “committee.” As a body’s size grows,
these qualities shrink.
In the interests of free government, division and controversy must be part of the legislative process. But it is unwise to include them in the makeup of the Executive. In the legislature, a speedy decision is more often a bane than a benefit. Though differences of opinion and partisan jarrings in the legislature may sometimes obstruct the legislative process, they often also serve to check the majority’s excesses. Once a bill is resolved, opposition must end because the resolution is a law and resisting it is punishable.
But there are no advantages to Executive dissension because it never stops operating. It only embarrasses and weakens the plans and measures it invades, from start to finish.
It constantly counteracts the Executive qualities most necessary to vigor and expedition, and there is no counterbalancing good.
In the conduct of war, in which Executive energy is the bulwark of national security, plurality would halt the effort.

Federalist No. 70 After You Read
Thinking like a Political Scientist Reasoning Process: Process
Describe the characteristics or traits that Hamilton views as essential in the executive.
According to Hamilton, how is a president with power and energy not only important to good government but also critical to protecting the rights of the people?
Political Science Disciplinary Practices Source Analysis
Using what you’ve learned about the American governmental system established in the Constitution, how did Hamilton’s argument affect political institutions?
How did Hamilton’s argument affect political behaviors?