Madisonian Federalism

James Madison, an American philosopher, activist, president, is regarded as the "Fatherof the Constitution." He is instrumental in designing, establishing and developing theAmerican Politics. His original Federalism, adapted theories of separation of powers andchecks and balances have produced profound influences on American constitutionalism.James Madison has written tremendous works, but his essays in The Federalist Paperspresent a concentration of his political philosophy. His federal thoughts and methods ofconsolidating the federation are expressed incisively and vividly through The FederalistPapers. The dissertation plans to, mainly focusing on his essays in The Federalist Papers,explore the original contributions and significance of James Madison's federal thoughts bystudying the burgeoning, forming and developing of his political philosophy.First, the dissertation defines Federalism and Madisonian Federalism by reviewing therelative literature works. Then, the historical context which made The Federalist Papers come intobeing is briefly introduced. By doing so, the significant contributions and historical mission of TheFederalist Papers are fully explored. In the following chapter, the thesis emphatically explores theembodiment of Madison's federal thoughts in The Federalist Papers through analysing Madison'sfamous essays in the Papers respectively and making a comparison between Madison's theoriesand those of Hamilton's in the Papers. Next, the methods of Madison's consolidating thefederation are discussed. Chapter four mainly focuses on Madison's theories of separation ofpowers and checks and balances from the perspectives of legislature, executive and judicialbrunches respectively. In order to better understand James Madison, the sources of hispolitical thoughts are investigated in succession. In the end, by the fore analyses, thedissertation concludes with the unique contribution and significance of James Madison's politicalphilosophy to American politics.