The Federalist Papers · Chapter
LXXXV: Concluding Remarks explained
Hamilton concludes the Federalist Papers by summarizing the arguments for the proposed Constitution, addressing objections about its imperfections, and arguing that subsequent amendments will be easier to obtain than prior ones.
What happens
Hamilton concludes the Federalist Papers by summarizing the arguments for the proposed Constitution, addressing objections about its imperfections, and arguing that subsequent amendments will be easier to obtain than prior ones. He emphasizes the necessity of the Union for security, liberty, and property, and urges readers to decide based on conscience and the public good.
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 Falling 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 the Constitution provides additional securities to republican government, liberty, and property.
- Control of Faction and Majority Tyranny
The Union is presented as a restraint on local factions, insurrections, and ambitious individuals.
- Constitutional Interpretation and Authority
Discussion of the amendment process and the ease of subsequent amendments under Article V.
- Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government
Hamilton reflects on the imperfections of human works and the need for compromise in forming a government.
Characters to notice
- Publius
The collective author addressing the people of New York, reflecting on the completion of the series.
- Alexander Hamilton
Primary author of this concluding paper, defending the Constitution and urging ratification.
- Congress
Mentioned as the body obligated to call a convention for amendments under Article V.
- The Senate
Implied in the discussion of the national government's structure and amendment process.
Key passages
“I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man.”
Hamilton states that no human creation can be perfect, so the Constitution should not be rejected for minor flaws.
Acknowledges the inevitability of imperfection in collective human endeavors.
“The additional securities to republican government, to liberty and to property, to be derived from the adoption of the plan under consideration, consist chiefly in the restraints which the preservation of the Union will impose on local factions and insurrections...”
The Constitution protects republican government, liberty, and property by using the Union to check local factions and rebellions.
Summarizes the key benefits of the proposed system.
“It appears to me susceptible of absolute demonstration, that it will be far more easy to obtain subsequent than previous amendments to the Constitution.”
Hamilton argues it is much easier to amend the Constitution after ratification than before.
Central argument against requiring prior amendments before adoption.
