The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 9 summary

What happens

1. Publius describes ancient small republics as unstable and explains how their disorders give opponents of liberty arguments against free government.
2. He lists modern political improvements and adds the enlargement of republican government through a union of states.
3. He argues that opponents misuse Montesquieu’s preference for small republics, which does not rule out confederation.
4. Montesquieu’s account explains how allied republics can resist foreign threats, suppress uprisings, and check attempts to seize power.
5. Publius argues that the proposed Constitution preserves the states through Senate representation and important reserved powers.
6. He cites Lycia’s unequal voting rights and central appointment of local officers to challenge narrow definitions of confederacy.

In this paper

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