Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
With the rise of originalism as a viable legal philosophy, American legal scholars have seen an increased appeal to writings contemporary to 1787 -- first among these sources being the Federalist Papers. However, it may be time for a critical study of Hamilton, Madison, and Jay's essays in order to prevent over-citation of the papers. By understanding the context of the papers, who wrote them, and what the intention of Publius were, legal scholars and historians can both learn the proper place of the Federalist papers as valid, yet conditioned source of Constitutional meaning.
Recommended Citation
Penner, Ian J., "An Imperfect Explication of an Ambiguous Constitution: The Federalist Papers" (2025). History Senior Capstone. 1.
https://pillars.taylor.edu/history-senior-capstone/1
Notes
Course: HIS 480, History Senior Seminar (Dr. Benjamin Wetzel)