Madison v. Hamilton : the battle over republicanism and the role of public opinion
By: SHEEHAN, Colleen A
.
Material type: 
ArticlePublisher: New York : Cambridge University Press, August 2004American Political Science Review 98, 3, p. 405-424Abstract: This article examines the causes of the dispute between James Madison and Alexander Hamilton in the early 1790s. Though Hamilton initially believed that Madison´s opposition to the Federalist administration was probably motivated by personal animosity and political advantage, in later years he concluded what Madison had long argued: the controversy between Republicanism and Federalists stemmed form a difference of principle. For Madison, republicanism meant the recognition of the sovereignty of public opinion and the commitment to participatory politics. Hamilton advocated a more submissive role for the citizenry and a more independent status for the political elite. While Madison did not deny to policital leaders and enlightened men a critical place in the formation of public opinion, he fought against Hamilton´s thin version of public opinion as "confidence" in government. In 1791-92 Madison took the Republican lead in providing a philosophic defense for a tangible, active, and reponsible role for the citizens of republican government.
This article examines the causes of the dispute between James Madison and Alexander Hamilton in the early 1790s. Though Hamilton initially believed that Madison´s opposition to the Federalist administration was probably motivated by personal animosity and political advantage, in later years he concluded what Madison had long argued: the controversy between Republicanism and Federalists stemmed form a difference of principle. For Madison, republicanism meant the recognition of the sovereignty of public opinion and the commitment to participatory politics. Hamilton advocated a more submissive role for the citizenry and a more independent status for the political elite. While Madison did not deny to policital leaders and enlightened men a critical place in the formation of public opinion, he fought against Hamilton´s thin version of public opinion as "confidence" in government. In 1791-92 Madison took the Republican lead in providing a philosophic defense for a tangible, active, and reponsible role for the citizens of republican government.
Click on an image to view it in the image viewer
There are no comments for this item.