Publius and Political Imagination

Jason Frank is an associate professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University.

• List of AbbreviationsAcknowledgmentsSeries Editor's IntroductionIntroduction: The Imaginary Republic1 Unauthorized Propositions2 Publius and Political Imagination3 Governing Interest4 Publius and Politeia5 From "We the People" to "We the Electorate"ConclusionReferencesIndexAbout the Author

While accepting the centrality of The Federalist Papers to American politics, Frank argues that the success of the text has made some of its key insights 'obscure or illegible.' A shared vision of the authors is defended (Publius), while the attempt to unlink the contributions of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay is refuted. . . .Chapter 1 addresses the challenge of constituency, or the means citizens assume in creating a republic. Chapter 2 explicates the importance of political imagination in the promotion of ratification. . . .Chapter 3 examines the role of interest as central to Publius's theory of political obligation. Chapter 4 surveys the influence of Leo Strauss and his epigones in the interpretation of the text. . . .The last chapter convincingly connects The Federalist Papers with the continued evolution of and need for civic engagement. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.