In Federalist Paper #68, Alexander Hamilton outlined a carefully crafted vision for electing the President of the United States, a vision that emphasized stability, fairness, and protection against corruption and foreign influence.

Hamilton’s proposal, known as the Electoral College, was designed to ensure that the President would be chosen by informed electors, people who could exercise their judgment free from the passions of the moment. This system was intended to balance popular input with a safeguard that would protect the nation from the dangers of demagoguery and external manipulation.

However, the electoral process has evolved significantly since Hamilton’s time. The question arises: Would Hamilton be disappointed by the current state of presidential elections, and if so, what might he propose to address the issues that have arisen?

Hamilton’s Vision in Federalist Paper #68

Hamilton’s primary goal in Federalist Paper #68 was to establish a method of electing the President that would reflect the will of the people while safeguarding against potential abuses. He argued that the Electoral College would ensure that the President was chosen by “men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station.” Hamilton believed that these electors, chosen by the states, would have the wisdom and discernment to make a judicious choice, free from external pressures and the influence of factions.

Hamilton also emphasized the importance of preventing foreign interference in the election process. He was concerned that foreign powers might attempt to manipulate the election to serve their own interests. By entrusting the election to a group of electors, the Constitution aimed to minimize the risk of such interference, ensuring that the President would be chosen based on the nation’s best interests.

Furthermore, Hamilton envisioned the Electoral College as a means of preventing the rise of demagogues—individuals who might exploit popular passions to gain power. He believed that the electors, as individuals of sound judgment, would be able to discern whether a candidate was truly fit for the presidency or merely a charismatic figure who might endanger the republic.

The Modern Reality

The electoral process in the United States today bears little resemblance to Hamilton’s original vision. Over time, the role of the Electoral College has changed, with most states adopting a winner-takes-all approach where the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state receives all of that state’s electoral votes. This system has led to several developments that might have concerned Hamilton:

1. Partisan Polarization: The rise of political parties, which Hamilton himself viewed with skepticism, has transformed the electoral process into a highly partisan affair. Electors are now typically loyal party members, bound by custom, if not by law, to vote for their party’s candidate, regardless of their personal judgment. This development undermines Hamilton’s idea of electors as independent and discerning individuals.
2. The Popular Vote vs. Electoral College Outcomes: In several recent elections, the winner of the national popular vote has lost the Electoral College vote, leading to controversy and debate about the legitimacy of the election process. This disparity between the popular vote and the electoral outcome was not something Hamilton specifically addressed, but it highlights a potential flaw in the system he envisioned—a system meant to balance popular will with informed decision-making.
3. Foreign Interference: Despite Hamilton’s efforts to design a system resistant to foreign influence, modern technology and global interconnectedness have introduced new vulnerabilities. There have been documented cases of foreign interference in recent U.S. elections, particularly through disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. These developments suggest that Hamilton’s vision of an election process immune to external manipulation has not been fully realized.
4. Rise of Demagoguery: Hamilton’s fear of a demagogue exploiting popular passions has, to some extent, been borne out in the modern era. The advent of mass media and social media platforms has given charismatic figures unprecedented access to the electorate, allowing them to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly appeal to voters on an emotional level. This has raised concerns about the role of personality over policy in modern presidential elections.

Would Hamilton Be Disappointed?

It is likely that Hamilton would be disappointed by some aspects of the modern electoral process. The erosion of the Electoral College’s original purpose, the influence of partisan politics, and the potential for foreign interference are all developments that run counter to the principles Hamilton espoused in Federalist Paper #68. He might view the current system as falling short of the carefully balanced method he envisioned, one that was intended to produce a President who was both representative of the people’s will and capable of governing with wisdom and integrity.

What Might Hamilton Propose to Fix the Current Problem?

If Hamilton were to address the modern electoral process, he might propose several reforms aimed at restoring the principles he outlined in Federalist Paper #68:

1. Reform the Role of Electors: Hamilton might advocate for a return to the original concept of electors as independent, informed individuals capable of exercising their judgment. This could involve reforms to reduce or eliminate the binding of electors to their state’s popular vote, allowing them to assess candidates on their merits.
2. Address the Popular Vote Disparity: To reconcile the tension between the popular vote and the Electoral College, Hamilton might suggest a modification of the system to better reflect the national popular will while retaining the protections against demagoguery and foreign influence. This could involve proportional allocation of electoral votes or a system that combines elements of both popular and electoral voting.
3. Strengthen Safeguards Against Foreign Interference: Given modern challenges, Hamilton would likely call for stronger measures to protect the electoral process from foreign manipulation. This could include enhanced cybersecurity measures, stricter regulations on campaign finance and foreign influence, and greater transparency in election-related activities.
4. Promote Civic Education: Hamilton was a strong advocate for an informed electorate. He might argue that one of the best defenses against demagoguery and external manipulation is a well-educated citizenry. Promoting civic education and critical thinking skills would be essential in helping voters make informed decisions in the face of modern challenges.

Conclusion

Federalist Paper #68 reflects Alexander Hamilton’s deep concern for creating a stable, fair, and secure method of electing the President. While his vision has been realized in some respects, the evolution of the electoral process has introduced challenges that Hamilton likely did not anticipate. The rise of partisan polarization, the tension between the popular vote and the Electoral College, and the threat of foreign interference are all issues that Hamilton might find troubling.

To address these challenges, Hamilton would likely propose reforms aimed at restoring the original principles of the Electoral College, ensuring that the election of the President is both reflective of the people’s will and protected from corruption and manipulation. While the modern reality may differ from Hamilton’s vision, the foundational principles he espoused—integrity, independence, and the protection of democratic values—remain as relevant today as they were in 1788.

*Written with the assistance of ChatGPT 4.0