As we mark the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we reflect on its interesting use of “necessary.”

Artificial Intelligence is both celebrated and feared. But what is it, and what does it portend? A brief reflection.

The next five essays, all written by Madison, may be thought of as the hinge on which the collection rests. Prior to these five essays Publius largely deals with the most consequential powers of the federal government under the Constitution, constantly stressing union as the solution to existing problems, and after these essays focuses more on the different branches of government.

Politicians often operate with a different set of values and virtues than other people do, but must they be able to keep promises? Why is promise-keeping so important in political life?

Publius often blurred the line between hortatory and argument. Thinking he had slam-dunked the Anti-federalists on the “necessary and proper” and “supremacy” clauses, Publius crowed about how the Constitution satisfied the passions and interests expressed in the Revolution.

In Federalist #44 Madison reviewed Congressional powers and suggested most of them were non-controversial.