Lesson 13: Federalist 70
Duration of Days: 2
Lesson Objective
Explain the key arguments Alexander Hamilton makes in Federalist No. 70 regarding a strong, unitary executive.
Analyze the reasoning for why a single energetic president is preferable to a plural executive.
Evaluate the benefits and potential risks of a strong executive in the context of checks and balances and separation of powers.
Apply historical arguments to modern governance, connecting Hamilton’s ideas to contemporary debates about presidential power.
Engage in evidence-based discussion, citing textual support from Federalist 70 to defend interpretations and opinions.
Why does Hamilton argue for a single, energetic executive, and how does this principle balance the need for effective leadership with the risk of executive abuse?
CG.Civ.5.a. Evaluate the relationship between law-making, enforcement, and interpretation in balancing
the rights
CG.Inq.4.c. Critique political arguments and explanations while acknowledging the strengths and
weaknesses given the purpose and audience (credibility, bias, reasoning, sequencing,
details).
DOK Level 3 – Strategic Thinking
Analyze the advantages and risks of a unitary executive as described in the reading.
Compare Hamilton’s arguments to contemporary examples of presidential power.
Evaluate how Federalist 70 addresses the tension between effective leadership and potential abuse of power.
N/A
Reading and questions answered.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14DNRWk6BYM_0brMvMDBuVW-hLmujLLF5S6O9wLTzmA4/edit?tab=t.0