The Public Shaming of Cato - Federalist #67
In Federalist #67 Alexander Hamilton freaks out on Anti-Federalists who he perceives as intentionally spreading misinformation.
Federalist #67
March 11, 1788
Alexander Hamilton
In Federalist #67 Alexander Hamilton begins a series of Papers aimed at explaining the office of President of the United States.
Before he goes into his discussion, Hamilton criticizes Anti-Federalists for using misinformation to scare people away from supporting the Constitution.
He then proceeds to go very in depth on the topic of Presidential appointments.
Cato
At the outset of Federalist #67, Hamilton loses his cool.
He goes on a fairly lengthy rant about how the Anti-Federalists have purposely lied to the people of New York in an attempt to stall the Constitution’s passing.
He actually refers directly to the man writing under the pen name Cato. While historians are unsure who Cato’s real identity was, most agree that it was probably long time Governor (and future Vice President) George Clinton.
Alexander scolds Cato for, “the shameful outrage he has offered to the dictates of truth.”
What’s the Fuss?
So what did Cato say that made Hamilton so mad?
He stated that the President would have the power to appoint Senators.
This would, in turn, allow for one person to control both the Executive and Legislative branches of government and inevitably lead to tyranny.
Senatorial Appointments
Cato’s suggestion was, in fact, wrong.
He seems to have been misreading (according to Hamilton, intentionally) three lines in two separate sections of the Constitution.
Hamilton spent the majority of Federalist #67 going through these lines to clarify that the President of the United States, in no situation whatever, can appoint United States Senators.
Alexander does a good job of getting his point across, though not necessarily with the calmest posture.
Let’s just say, he certainly used A LOT OF CAPS.
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