Montesquieu and "The Federalist" on the Principles of Republican Government

• In Event: Early Modern Republicanism

Abstract

During the ratification debates, the Federalists and Antifederalists cited the work of Montesquieu to make arguments in support of or against the proposed Constitution. The Federalist cites lengthy material from “the celebrated Montesquieu,” and Publius claims to be representing his thought correctly in contrast to their Antifederalist counterparts. This paper will give a close examination of Montesquieu’s republican theory, and then it will assess whether Publius should be viewed as Montesquieu's rightful heir.

Author

• Joey Barretta, University of Texas at Austin