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The Administration founders' library
Federalist No. 67: The Executive Department Hamilton opens the series on the executive by exposing a false claim that the President could fill Senate vacancies, and complains of the unfair attacks. Federalist No. 68: The Mode of Electing the President Hamilton defends the method of choosing the President through electors, as a way to combine popular choice, informed judgment and resistance to faction. Federalist No. 69: The Real Character of the Executive Hamilton compares the proposed President with the British king and the New York governor, arguing the office is limited and elected, not a monarchy in disguise. Federalist No. 70: The Executive Department Further Considered Hamilton argues that a vigorous, single executive is essential to good government and that unity, duration, support and competent powers supply energy. Federalist No. 71: The Duration in Office of the Executive Hamilton argues that a four-year term gives the President firmness to resist legislative pressure and public whims without making him independent of the people. Federalist No. 72: Re-Eligibility of the Executive Considered (Continued) Hamilton defends re-eligibility of the President, arguing that excluding a good official from another term would harm good behavior and stability. Federalist No. 73: The Provision For The Support of the Executive, and the Veto Power Hamilton defends a salary the legislature cannot cut or raise during the term and the qualified veto, as a shield for the executive and a check on bad laws. Federalist No. 74: The Command of the Military and Naval Forces, and the Pardoning Power of the Executive Hamilton defends the President's role as commander in chief and the pardoning power, arguing that war needs unity and that mercy should not be fettered. Federalist No. 75: The Treaty-Making Power of the Executive Hamilton argues that treaties should be made by the President with two thirds of the Senate, because neither could be trusted alone with so delicate a power. Federalist No. 76: The Appointing Power of the Executive Hamilton defends presidential nomination with Senate confirmation, as a way to secure fit appointees while keeping responsibility clear. Federalist No. 77: The Appointing Power Continued and Other Powers of the Executive Considered Hamilton argues the Senate's role in appointments adds stability, that cabals plague councils of appointment, and notes the President's remaining powers.