The Federalist Papers · Chapter
LX: The Same Subject Continued (Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members) explained
Hamilton argues that granting the federal government the power to regulate its own elections is safe, as any attempt to manipulate elections for a particular class would provoke a popular revolution.
What happens
Hamilton argues that granting the federal government the power to regulate its own elections is safe, as any attempt to manipulate elections for a particular class would provoke a popular revolution. He contends that the diverse composition of the national government and the different modes of electing its branches prevent any concerted bias, and that the landed interest will naturally predominate without needing to exclude commerce.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Hamilton directly confronts the most emotionally charged accusatio…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Republican Government and Representation
Hamilton argues that the diverse interests and modes of election in the federal government prevent any single class from dominating representation.
- Control of Faction and Majority Tyranny
The essay addresses fears that a majority might use election regulations to oppress a minority, but Hamilton deems such an attempt unlikely and self-defeating.
- Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government
Hamilton relies on the people's vigilance and readiness to revolt against any usurpation of their electoral rights.
Characters to notice
- Publius
Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York and defending the Constitution.
- Alexander Hamilton
Likely author of this Federalist Paper, arguing for federal control of election regulations.
- Congress
The federal legislature whose power to regulate elections is defended.
- The Senate
Mentioned as a branch whose composition by state legislatures makes it immune to federal manipulation of elections.
Key passages
“Of all chimerical suppositions, this seems to be the most chimerical.”
This is the most fanciful and unrealistic idea of all.
Hamilton dismisses the fear that Congress would manipulate election districts to exclude most citizens.
“it could never be made without causing an immediate revolt of the great body of the people, headed and directed by the state governments.”
Any such attempt would instantly provoke a popular uprising led by the state governments.
Hamilton argues that the people and states would resist any federal abuse of election power.
“the landed interest must, upon the whole, preponderate in the government.”
The agricultural class will naturally dominate the government overall.
Hamilton asserts that the landed interest will prevail without needing to exclude commercial interests.
