The Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of 1793-1794 - by Alexander Hamilton & James Madison (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of 1793-1794 matched Hamilton and Madison in the first chapter of an enduring discussion about the proper roles of executive and legislative branches in the conduct of American foreign policy. Ignited by President Washington's Neutrality Proclamation of 1793, which annulled the eleventh article of America's treaty with France of 1778, the debate addressed whether Washington had the authority to declare America neutral, despite the early alliance treaty with France. The Liberty Fund edition brings together for the first time all the relevant original documents of this controversy.

Morton J. Frisch (1923-2006) was Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Northern Illinois University.

Review Quotes

In the Introduction, Frisch points out that the Founders avoided the inflexibility of most written Constitutions by providing general principles of governance, but not elaborating on certain specifics. He credits the debates for clarifying the constitutional principles that are now associated with executive power. Those interested in enlarging their understanding of the Constitution can ascertain what those powers are by reading this fascinating book. Liberty Fund has performed a great service by bringing together, for the first time, all the documents relevant to the Debates in a single, readable volume.

www.whatwouldthefoundersthink.com
August 2011


Edited and with an introduction by Morton J. Frisch (Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Northern Illinois University), The Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of 1793-1794 collects the landmark debates between founding American figures Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. Pacificus) and James Madison (a.k.a. Helvidius) about the proper roles of America's executive and legislative branches in the area of foreign policy. Hamilton was a proponent of strong executive control over foreign policy, while Madison countered with the charge that Washington's Neutrality Proclamation of 1793 would impede the Senate's ability to make war. The Pacificus-Helvidius Debates of 1793-1794 collects all of the pertinent original documents involved in these landmark debates, including Washington's Neutrality Proclamation, the full text of the Pacificus and Helvidius letters, Jefferson's letter to Madison requesting him to respond to Hamilton, and Hamilton's Americanus letters, written as a final response to Madison's rebuttal. A scholarly presentation of a classic primary source of American history, worthy of the highest recommendation for college and public library reference collections.

The Midwest Book Review
June 2008