Donald Kochan Explains Why The Federalist Papers’ Anniversary Should Rekindle Our Commitment to Civil Debate

October 27 marks the anniversary of the first essay’s publication in what would come to be known as The Federalist Papers—one of the most enduring and influential sources on the history of the U.S. Constitution and its interpretation. In Federalist No. 1, published on October 27, 1787, Alexander Hamilton previews the set of essays being launched in Publius’ project, while also explaining the importance of civil discourse generally and the need for it throughout the ratification process in light of the constitutional provisions to be debated. Hamilton’s lessons on civil discourse in Federalist No. 1—a sometimes overlooked contribution from The Federalist Papers beyond theories of governance—continue to be relevant today.  Indeed, the principles Hamilton sets forth still help shape the many initiatives here at Scalia Law—where we proudly serve as “Washington’s School for Civil Discourse.”

Scalia Law Professor Donald Kochan highlights key lessons from Federalist No. 1 in his October 27, 2025, Washington Examiner commentary. The commentary is drawn from the  longer analysis of these topics available in Professor Kochan’s article: On the Imperative of Civil Discourse: Lessons from Alexander Hamilton and Federalist No. 1, 94 Southern California Law Review Postscript 32 (2020).