The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 40 summary

What happens

1. Madison examines the Annapolis and congressional recommendations to establish the convention’s assigned purposes and powers.
2. He argues that securing adequate government takes priority over preserving the existing Articles unchanged.
3. He presents the proposed system as an expansion of principles already present in the Confederation.
4. He admits that approval by the people in nine States departs from the requirement of confirmation by every state legislature.
5. He stresses that the convention only recommends a plan, whose authority depends on public approval.
6. He concludes that useful constitutional advice deserves acceptance even if its authors exceed their instructions.

In this paper

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