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
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.
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
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| 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. |