Watch Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers

  • TV-PG
  • 2020
  • 1 Season

Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers is a documentary series available on Amazon Addon that delves into the significance of one of the most seminal works in American political history. The series takes a deep dive into the writings that helped shape the formation of the United States constitution and the principles that continue to guide the country to this day.

Over the course of 12 episodes, the series explores the Federalist Papers in great detail, examining the history and context surrounding their creation, as well as the ideas and arguments contained within them. The series features interviews with leading experts in American history, political science, and law, as well as re-enactments that help bring the key concepts and historical events to life.

The Federalist Papers were a collection of essays published between 1787 and 1788, written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison as part of their efforts to persuade the citizens of New York to ratify the new US Constitution. The papers remain a hugely significant text, not only for their insights into the country's founding principles, but also for the arguments they make about the role and structure of government.

The series is split into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the Federalist Papers. The first part focuses on the historical context surrounding the creation of the papers, examining the events, ideas, and political tensions that informed their writing. Through interviews with historians and scholars, viewers gain a greater understanding of the world that Hamilton, Jay, and Madison were writing in, and the challenges they were facing as they sought to create a new form of government.

The second part of the series is devoted to an analysis of the ideas and arguments contained within the Federalist Papers. Here, the series breaks down the key concepts, such as federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances, and explores how they were developed and articulated by the authors. This part of the series is particularly effective in conveying why the papers continue to be regarded as such an important text in American political history.

The final part of the series turns to the ways in which the Federalist Papers have influenced American politics since their publication. The series examines the role that the papers have played in shaping debates over constitutional interpretation, as well as their relevance to contemporary issues such as executive power and government transparency. Viewers are left with a sense of how the papers have continued to shape the country long after their initial publication.

Overall, Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers is a must-watch series for anyone interested in American political history and the forming of one of the world's most powerful constitutions. The series is both informative and engaging, using a mix of expert interviews, historical re-enactments, and analysis to deliver a compelling account of one of the most significant works of political theory in the Western canon. Whether you are a scholar seeking to deepen your knowledge of the Federalist Papers or simply a student of history looking to learn more about the country's founding, this series is an excellent resource. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in American political theory, the history of the Constitution, or the evolution of democracy in the United States.

Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between June 18, 2020 and on Amazon Addon

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Seasons
The Future of the United States Constitution
12. The Future of the United States Constitution
June 19, 2020
What does the future look like for America's democratic republic? As you've seen, one of the most important trends has been the gradual increase in federal power, but the tension between federal and state power remains. Is there still a future for republican government? What might a Second Constitutional Convention look like? And would we want to find out?
The Evolution of American Federalism
11. The Evolution of American Federalism
June 19, 2020
The story of the Constitution is one of both stability and change. In this episode, take a look at some of the most important ways the Constitution has evolved over the past 230 years. Consider whether the changes have largely honored the original spirit of the Constitution or broken faith with the vision of the Framers.
The Federal Judiciary
10. The Federal Judiciary
June 19, 2020
Round out your study of the branches of government with an in-depth look at the federal judiciary, one of the three branches of the federal government. The Framers believed the judiciary was the branch least likely to infringe on the liberty of the American people. Reflect on its role and its power, then review the most important constitutional law case in American History: Marbury v. Madison.
The President of the United States
9. The President of the United States
June 19, 2020
Shift your attention from the legislature to the chief executive, the single most powerful government official in the world today. But, as you'll learn in your exploration of The Federalist Papers, the Framers had a different view of the presidency. Review Alexander Hamilton's essays about the office and the powers of the president.
The Federal Legislature
8. The Federal Legislature
June 19, 2020
James Madison believed the legislature posed the greatest threat to the integrity of the system the Framers had so carefully designed. In "Federalist No. 48," "Federalist No. 51," and elsewhere, he laid out warnings about the legislature seizing too much power, as well as the solution of a bicameral legislature. Delve into this thorny issue.
The Separation of Powers
7. The Separation of Powers
June 19, 2020
In Federalist Nos. 47 through 51, James Madison explains why the concept of "separation of powers" is so important for the future of the American government. Dig into these five amazing essays to understand what the familiar term "separation of powers" really means, and why he was so optimistic about America's future.
Popular Sovereignty and States' Rights
6. Popular Sovereignty and States' Rights
June 19, 2020
The idea of popular sovereignty (the power of the American people) reshaped the relationship between the states and the federal government. In this episode, consider the ever-changing relationship of the states to the federal government. See how the institution of slavery was the catalyst for a crisis.
Dual Sovereignty
5. Dual Sovereignty
June 19, 2020
The system that emerged under the new constitution gave the federal government the ability to determine the scope of its own powers. What checks did the system place on the federal government? Who gets to decide when the federal government has violated its powers? Reflect on the powers of the states and the American people.
American Federalism
4. American Federalism
June 19, 2020
Given all the conflicts and compromises of 1787, how did the American federal system come about? How did the Framers solve the issues of the day while preserving flexibility for the future? Review the enumerated powers of the federal government and see how power was balanced between the federal government and the states.
A Federation or a Nation?
3. A Federation or a Nation?
June 19, 2020
When the Framers gathered in Philadelphia to write a new constitution, they essentially were representing a loose federation of nation-states. Their original charge was to modify the Articles of Confederation, but there was a solid case for a strong central government. Examine this dilemma and the compromises that Madison and Hamilton made.
A Democracy or a Republic?
2. A Democracy or a Republic?
June 18, 2020
The Framers of the Constitution believed pure democracy was something to be feared for the way it would lead to the rise of factions, which would in turn tear apart the system. Was it possible to create a new model that offered the benefits of representative democracy without the problems of factions? See how the Framers tackled this conflict.
A Blueprint for American Government
1. A Blueprint for American Government
June 18, 2020
Understanding The Federalist Papers starts with understanding who wrote them and why they were written. In this opening episode, go back to 1787 to meet Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to find out what challenges they faced in communicating the need for the new US Constitution. #History
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Where to Watch Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers
Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers is available for streaming on the Amazon Addon website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Books That Matter: The Federalist Papers on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon and Hoopla.
  • Premiere Date
    June 18, 2020
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