The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, Being a Collection of Essays Written in Support of the Constitution Agreed Upon Seeptember 17, 1787

This series of texts collectively illustrates the tensions and strengths inherent to the American republic. Hamilton, Madison, Jay, Lodge, and other founders had to resolve some fundamental philosophical barriers in establishing a system of government in which power is intended to stem from the people. The papers do address the power distribution among the states and federal government. More specifically, they address how power would be alloted among the three federal branches: Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature. The consensus seems to be that separation among these elements is constructive in that each checks the other's power. The result is a "balance" in the application of power on behalf of the people. These topics resonate with contemporary politics. Politicians, activists, and pundits clamor over third parties, term limits, line-item vetoes, nominees, and campaign financing. Have things changed that much? Or, did the founders really get it that right?