The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 65 summary

What happens

1. Hamilton defines impeachable offenses as abuses of public trust and warns that factional loyalties can outweigh evidence.
2. He defends legislative participation in impeachment and argues that the Senate has the independence and standing the task requires.
3. He rejects the Supreme Court because of its size, uncertain public authority, and potential bias in a separate criminal trial.
4. He favors having the chief justice preside rather than combining the entire Supreme Court with the Senate.
5. He argues that a separate impeachment tribunal creates expense or delays that harm individuals and government.
6. He concludes that opponents must show the Constitution is harmful overall, not merely imperfect in particular provisions.

In this paper

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