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Alexander Hamilton on Executive Power as the Guarantor of Liberty

In this Colloquium we wish to explore the nature of executive power through the ideas of Alexander Hamilton, who advocated a strong executive throughout the founding era of the American republic. His intellectual debt to Thomas Hobbes and John Locke will also be explored.

For further reading see

• Alexander Hamilton
• Thomas Hobbes
• John Locke
• James Madison
• Founding Fathers of the American Republic

• Session Ia: The Theoretical Foundations of Executive Power: Hobbes

  

  Please read the following chapters:

  • “Introduction”
  • Chapter 13, “Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery”
  • Chapter 14, “Of the First and Second Natural Laws, and of Contracts”
  • Chapter 17, “Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of Commonwealth”
  • Chapter 19, “Of the Several Kinds of Commonwealth by Institution, and of Succession to the Sovereign Power”
  • Chapter 21, “Of the Liberty of Subjects”

  Thomas Hobbes, Hobbes’s Leviathan reprinted from the edition of 1651 with an Essay by the Late W.G. Pogson Smith (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1909).

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/869 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Ib: The Theoretical Foundations of Executive Power: Locke

  

  Please read the following chapters:

  • Chapter 2, “Of the State of Nature”
  • Chapter 3, “Of the State of War”
  • Chapter 11, “Of the Extent of the Legislative Power”
  • Chapter 12, “Of the Legislative, Executive, and Federative Power of the Commonwealth”
  • Chapter 14, “Of Prerogative”

  John Locke, Two Treatises of Government, ed. Thomas Hollis (London: A. Millar et al., 1764). Chapter: OF CIVIL-GOVERNMENT: BOOK II

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/222/16239 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Ic: The Theoretical Foundations of Executive Power: Hamilton

  Hamilton, The Farmer Refuted (February 23, 1775).

  Alexander Hamilton, The Revolutionary Writings of Alexander Hamilton, edited and with an Introduction by Richard B. Vernier, with a Foreword by Joyce O. Appleby (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2008). Chapter: THE FARMER REFUTED (1775)

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/2121/164944 on 2008-11-13

  The copyright to this edition, in both print and electronic forms, is held by Liberty Fund, Inc.

• Session Id: The Theoretical Foundations of Executive Power: Hamilton

  Hamilton, “Views on the French Revolution” (1794).

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 8. Chapter: FRAGMENT ON THE FRENCH REVOLUTION 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1385/92676 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session II: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 1a

  The Federalist no. 15.

  George W. Carey, The Federalist (The Gideon Edition), Edited with an Introduction, Reader’s Guide, Constitutional Cross-reference, Index, and Glossary by George W. Carey and James McClellan (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2001). Chapter: No. 15: Concerning the Defects of the Present Confederation, in Relation to the Principle of Legislation for the States in their Collective Capacities

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/788/108587 on 2008-11-13

  The copyright to this edition, in both print and electronic forms, is held by Liberty Fund, Inc.

• Session II: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 1b

  “Letter to James Duane”, September 3, 1780.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 1. Chapter: THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSTITUTION

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1378/64153 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session II: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 1c

  “Letter to Timothy Pickering” September 16, 1803.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 10. Chapter: to timothy pickering 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1387/93534 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session II: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 1d

  Hamilton’s Speech at the Constitutional Convention.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 1. Chapter: BRIEF OF SPEECH ON SUBMITTING HIS PLAN OF CONSTITUTION 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1378/64194 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session II: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 1e

  See the remarks made on September 5 (or 6), 1787 which can be found here Vol. 1. SPEECHES IN THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 1. Chapter: SPEECHES IN THE FEDERAL CONVENTION

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1378/64198 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session III: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 2a

  Begin by reading The Federalist, nos. 67-73. See this page.

  The following readings are not available online and are provided in the packet of Readings:

  • Letter from George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, August 28, 1788
  • Hamilton’s Letter to the New York Evening Post, February 24, 1802.

  Then read Amicus below.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 7. Chapter: amicus

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1384/107472 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session III: Executive Power and the Constitution, Part 2b

  Hamilton to Timothy Pickering (September 16, 1803).

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 10. Chapter: to timothy pickering 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1387/93534 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session IVa: Executive Power and Finance

  Begin with reading The Federalist nos. 30-31 which can be found here.

  Then read the DEFENCE OF THE FUNDING SYSTEM. Please note in particular the 4 paragraphs beginning with “A Government which does not rest on the basis of justice…”

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 8. Chapter: DEFENCE OF THE FUNDING SYSTEM 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1385/92677 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session IVb: Executive Power and Finance

  Hamilton’s Letter to Robert Morris (April 30, 1781).

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 3. Chapter: hamilton to robert morris

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1380/64322 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session IVc: Executive Power and Finance

  Speeches in the New York Assembly. Note in particular the Speech of January 19, 1787 which can be found here.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 8. Chapter: SPEECHES IN THE NEW YORK ASSEMBLY, 1787 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1385/92604 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session IVd: Executive Power and Finance

  Report on Manufactures (December 5, 1791)

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 4. Chapter: MANUFACTURES

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1381/64338 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session IVe: Executive Power and Finance

  Vindication of the Funding System. Please read No. III written between May and August 1792.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 3. Chapter: vindication of the funding system

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1380/64258 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session IVf: Executive Power and Finance

  Hamilton’s Letter to Washing (February 23, 1791) - Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bank.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 3. Chapter: hamilton to washington

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1380/64326 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Va: The Administration of Executive Power

  Begin by reading Hobbes’ Leviathan Chapter 23 “Of the Public Ministers of Sovereign Power” which can be found here.

  Then The Federalist nos. 23, 27, 76, 77 which can be found here.

  Then Hamilton, The Continentalist No. I (July 12, 1781) and No. III (August 9, 1781) below.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 1. Chapter: THE CONTINENTALIST

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1378/64156 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Vb: The Administration of Executive Power

  Hamilton’s Letter to George Washington, September 1788.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 9. Chapter: to washington

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1386/93138 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Vc: The Administration of Executive Power

  Metellus, October 24, 1792.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 7. Chapter: metellus

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1384/107478 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Vd: The Administration of Executive Power

  Hamilton’s Letter to Edward Carrington, May 26, 1792.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 9. Chapter: to colonel edward carrington 1

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1386/93197 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session Ve: The Administration of Executive Power

  Tully No. III (August 28, 1794.

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 6. Chapter: tully 1 To the People of the United States

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1383/65807 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.

• Session VIa: Hamilton and External Policy.

  Begin with James Madison’s Helvidius No. 1 (24 August 1793) and No. 4 (14 September 1794).

  Then read Hamilton’s “Defense of the President’s Neutrality Proclamation” (May 1793) and his “Pacificus” No. I (June 29, 1793) and No. IV (July 10, 1793).

  Alexander Hamilton, The Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of 1793-1794: Toward the Completion of the American Founding, edited with and Introduction by Morton J. Frisch (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2007).

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1910 on 2008-11-13

  Material by Washington and Madison is published by permission from The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (Columbia University Press) and by Jefferson and Madison from The Papers of James Madison (University Press of Virginia).

• Session VIb: Hamilton and External Policy.

  Alexander Hamilton’s Letter to William Hamilton (May 2, 1797).

  Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge (Federal Edition) (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904). In 12 vols. Vol. 10. Chapter: to —— hamilton

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1387/93409 on 2008-11-13

  The text is in the public domain.