The President vs Governor of NY - Federalist #69
In Federalist #69 Alexander Hamilton defends the office of President from claims that it would be an ‘elected monarchy.’
Federalist #69
March 14, 1788
Alexander Hamilton
In Federalist #69 Alexander Hamilton defends the office of President from claims that it would be an ‘elected monarchy.’
Hamilton takes an interesting approach to prove his case.
He goes point by point comparing the Presidency to both the King of England and the Governor of New York. Alexander demonstrates that, in many ways, the Governor of New York has more similarities to a monarch than the President.
The Senate’s Place
Throughout Federalist #69 Hamilton emphasizes the limits on the President.
He notes that both appointment of officers and securing of treaties need to be completed with the consent of the Senate.
Furthermore, Hamilton reminds the reader that a Presidential veto can be overruled by the Senate while a King’s decision would be final.
Compared to the Governor
When turning his attention to the Governor of New York, Hamilton notes that the President could not call out the Army without Congressional support. The Governor, however, could essentially use the militia at his leisure.
Additionally, with a term of three years and a smaller population it would be easier for the Governor of New York to become a tyrant than the President could do in four years.
On top of that, the President could be impeached for high crimes. This was similar to New York’s laws but more severe than several other States offered their Governors.
Embarrassing Clinton
Overall, Hamilton makes a convincing argument that the Governor of New York has more of an opportunity to become a despot than the President of the United States (though it should be noted, much has changed in both the State and Federal Governments that make sections of his discussion obsolete).
What is very funny about this Paper is that Hamilton regularly references the Governor of New York.
The man who held that office when the Federalist Papers were published was George Clinton. Clinton, a major Anti-Federalist, was one of the loudest critics of the powers of the President.
Meanwhile, here comes Hamilton, accusing Clinton of being the one with too much power.
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