Summary Of The Federalist No. 72 By Alexander Hamilton

In the Federalist No. 72, Alexander Hamilton states that re-eligibility should be ensured in order to prevent an executive from extending his term in office unconstitutionally. Hamilton presents five effects that would occur if a president would only be allowed to serve for a single term. Some of the effects that Hamilton presented are, a reduction in the president’s motivation to be on his best behavior since he would not be concerned about getting re-elected. Another issue that would result if re-eligibility would be denied is that if a president who holds office is obsessed with wealth he might get involved in corruption since he would soon be prohibited from office. The author’s purpose is to establish re-eligibility in order for an executive
who has served in office to be allowed to run for presidency after his term. He seeks to have re-eligibility in order for the country to be represented by an experienced president that could help the country resolve critical issues during times of crisis. Hamilton’s argument is that if an executive is denied re-eligibility, then, the people would be denied the opportunity to have an experienced man in office who has worked hard to create a wise system of administration. Therefore, Hamilton argues that if an executive can be re-elected without limit he would do his part well and give the people time to evaluate the excellence of his measures and if the citizens agree with his conduct, then, they would keep him in office.