Assignment Paper

citizens of a “free republic.” Your understanding of what animates American political institutions and the values grounding them will
be useful when you create and explain solutions to insulate these forces from further decline. Ultimately, I want you to consider how
“The Federalist Papers” provides insight into how to protect your freedom and quality of life.
Option A (The Institutional Design Option):
•The authors of the “The Federalist Papers” are clearly concerned with the consequences of the values upon which institutions are
designed.
1. What would you identify as their main concern throughout the essays you read in this book?
2. Are there certain values these authors felt prevent the institutions they support from declining?
3. What do you think of the argument that there are several threats to the future development of the new nation that result
from inadequate consideration of how to best design institutions?
4. What is needed to design political institutions that are relatively immune from the weaknesses they mention in the “The
Federalist Papers”?
Option B (The Failings of Individuals Option):
•At one point in the “The Federalist Papers,” the authors argue that government is needed because humans are not angels.
1. How would the authors of this work expect individuals to act as citizens on a day-to-day basis?
2. Realistically, can individuals meet the standard set forth in this book, especially if they are not familiar with them?
3. What political virtues should be found among citizens?
4. How important are these values in ensuring that government will promote a high quality of life among American citizens?