The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 72 summary
Federalist No. 72 of 85 · 8 min to read the paper
In Federalist No. 72, Hamilton defends executive eligibility for reelection as a means of rewarding good conduct, preserving experience, and maintaining stable administration. He argues that temporary or permanent exclusion brings serious disadvantages, while its promised gains in executive independence and public security remain uncertain.
What happens
- Hamilton connects executive tenure with administrative stability, arguing that new Presidents tend to replace personnel and reverse policies.
- He joins a substantial fixed term with reelection eligibility so voters can assess performance and retain effective leadership.
- He argues that exclusion weakens incentives for good service and increases temptations toward corruption or unlawful retention of power.
- He identifies further losses in experience, emergency leadership, and continuity of policy.
- He questions whether exclusion increases independence or security and concludes that its uncertain benefits cannot outweigh its disadvantages.
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In this paper
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Which benefit of exclusion does Hamilton question?
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