The Federalist Papers · Chapter
LXI: The Same Subject Continued (Concerning the Power of Congress to Regulate the Election of Members) explained
Hamilton defends the Constitution's provision allowing Congress to regulate federal elections, arguing that the power is necessary and safe.
What happens
Hamilton defends the Constitution's provision allowing Congress to regulate federal elections, arguing that the power is necessary and safe. He compares it to state constitutions, particularly New York's, to show that similar powers exist without endangering liberty. He also highlights the positive advantage of uniform election times for the House of Representatives, which helps prevent faction and ensures regular renewal of the body.
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
Discusses the regulation of elections as essential to maintaining representative government.
- Control of Faction and Majority Tyranny
Argues that uniform election times help prevent the perpetuation of factional spirit in the House.
- Constitutional Interpretation and Authority
Defends the constitutional provision granting Congress power over election regulations.
Characters to notice
- Publius
Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York.
- Alexander Hamilton
Likely author of this Federalist Paper, writing as Publius.
Key passages
“The different views taken of the subject in the two preceding papers must be sufficient to satisfy all dispassionate and discerning men, that if the public liberty should ever be the victim of the ambition of the national rulers, the power under examination, at least, will be guiltless of the sacrifice.”
The arguments in the last two papers should convince fair-minded readers that if national rulers ever threaten liberty, the power to regulate elections will not be the cause.
Hamilton reassures that the election regulation power is not a threat to liberty.
“There is a contagion in example which few men have sufficient force of mind to resist.”
People are easily influenced by the behavior of others, and only a few have the strength to resist such influence.
Hamilton warns of the danger of gradual factional influence through staggered elections.
