People-2

Hamilton saw a very loose interpretation of the Constitution thus he felt that sovereignty should be placed in the hands of the national government. He didn’t care for much of states rights. He was also one of the writers of The Federalist. **James Madison** Madison being one of the writers of The Federalist believed that sovereignty should be placed in many hands (separation of powers) because of human nature (if men were angels we wouldn’t need government). He had a pluralist view that liberty could be ensured when numerous conflicting interests were forced to compromise in politics. **John Jay** John Jay who did not attend the Constitutional Convention fought in favor of the creation of a more powerful, centralized but balanced system of government (checks and balances). He felt that the federal government needed some sovereignty, to combat the dangers of foreign invasion, influence, and control. **John Marshall** Marshall saw the Constitution as the instrument of national unity and federal power and the guarantee of the security of private property. Through his Supreme Court rulings he reviewed federal and state laws in conjunction to their constitutionality. He saw the Constitution as a precise document establishing powers as well as a living document that should be interpreted so as to give the federal government the means to act effectively within its given powers. **Ronald Reagan** During his presidency Reagan tried to re-justify the role of the federal government intended by the Framers of the Constitution. He felt that the role of the federal government had been tampered with since the four terms of Franklin Roosevelt. He also wished to ensure that the principles of federalism established by the Framers guide the Executive departments/agencies in the formulation and implementation of policies.
 * Alexander Hamilton**