Federalist No. 70: The Case for a Strong Unitary Executive
This deck covers the key arguments and concepts from Federalist No. 70, focusing on the necessity of a unitary executive for accountability, energy, and protection against legislative encroachments.
Overview
Key Terms
Overview
Federalist No. 70's main argument was that a unitary executive (One President) is necessary to ensure accountability in government and enable the p...
Unity
A United Executive (President)
Duration
Time in Office
Support
Presidential Salary
Competent Powers
Powers guaranteed by the Constitution
A Council of 3 Executives
Alexander Hamilton disagreed with this idea. 3 executives would argue and their 'bitter dissensions' would cause people to lose respect for the exe...
Related Flashcard Decks
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Overview | Federalist No. 70's main argument was that a unitary executive (One President) is necessary to ensure accountability in government and enable the president to defend against legislative encroachments on his power. |
Unity | A United Executive (President) |
Duration | Time in Office |
Support | Presidential Salary |
Competent Powers | Powers guaranteed by the Constitution |
A Council of 3 Executives | Alexander Hamilton disagreed with this idea. 3 executives would argue and their 'bitter dissensions' would cause people to lose respect for the executive branch and weaken its authority. |
Qualities for a President | A unitary president is necessary to ensure accountability in government, to enable the president to defend against legislative encroachments on presidential power, and to ensure 'energy' in the executive. |
Energy | The four ingredients for an energetic executive are (1) Unity, (2) Duration, (3) Adequate provision for its support, and (4) Competent powers. This is the most important quality for a president. |
(1) Unity | Unity contributes to energy by permitting necessary "decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch." A unitary executive is incentivized to act on behalf of his citizens. |
(2) Duration | With more time in office, the president will be motivated to act in favor of the views of the public. |
(3) Support | Ample pay is necessary to insulate government officials from corruption by attracting capable, honest men to office. |
(4) Competent Powers | The executive veto provides stability by preventing the excess of lawmaking and that the executive veto and judicial review will 'shield the executive' from legislative misbehavior. |
Accountability | A single executive would also be more closely scrutinized by the people, and it would be easier to watch one person than a group of people. |
Protecting Liberty | One president is best able to protect the people's liberty against factions. |
A Unitary Executive | A unitary executive structure will best permit purpose, direction, and flexibility in the executive branch, especially during times of emergency and war. |