February 8, 1825 – Madison Advises Jefferson to Consider “The Federalist” as a Law School Text

On this day in history, James Madison wrote to Thomas Jefferson commenting on Jefferson’s proposal for a text book for the new law school at University of Virginia. Notably, Madison observed:

The ‘Federalist’ may fairly enough be regarded as the most authentic exposition of the text of the federal Constitution, as understood by the Body which prepared & the Authorities which accepted it. Yet it did not foresee all the misconstructions which have occurred; nor prevent some that it did foresee. And what equally deserves remark, neither of the great rival parties have acquiesced in all its Comments. It may nevertheless be admissible as a School book, if any will be that goes so much into detail. It has been actually admitted into two Universities, if not more, those of Harvard & Rh. Island; but probably at the choice of the Professors, without an injunction from the superior authority.”

You can read the entire letter here.

James Madison