Let's begin by reading ABOUT the Federalist and the opposing Anti-Federalist Papers!

"The Federalist Papers were a series of eighty-five essays urging the citizens of New York to ratify the new United States Constitution. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the essays originally appeared anonymously in New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 under the pen name "Publius." The Federalist Papers are considered one of the most important sources for interpreting and understanding the original intent of the Constitution." ~ https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers

There are a total of 85 papers, published as newspaper articles. These were published over the course of 2 years. The purpose? To allow the American public to discuss and DECIDE on the various aspects of the United States Constitution.

In addition to the Federalist Papers, there were also the equally important 85 Anti-Federalist papers. All of these papers, or newspaper articles, were published over the course of the same 2 years.

"The arguments against ratification appeared in various forms, by various authors, most of whom used a pseudonym. Collectively, these writings have become known as the Anti-Federalist Papers. We here present some of the best and most widely read of these. They contain warnings of dangers from tyranny that weaknesses in the proposed Constitution did not adequately provide against, and while some of those weaknesses were corrected by adoption of the Bill of Rights, others remained, and some of these dangers are now coming to pass." ~ https://thefederalistpapers.org/anti-federalist-papers

Adult and hopefully responsible members of a constitutional republic, United States' citizens have a say in governmental processes... so how best to choose? First, one must learn what this government is all about.

Let's start this process as an ordinary citizen of New York in 1788 would have! To get into the spirit, I've uploaded an oil-on-canvas 1855 painting by American painter Tompkins Harrison Matteson (1813–1884) entitled "The Making of Ammunition." Apropos, is it not?

(Oil on canvass. 36 in. x 48.5 in. Courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art. Image courtesy of The Athenaeum.)

Next Thursday, we shall begin with the readings. Meanwhile, comments? Thoughts? Ideas? Let's read your own unique perspective!