Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton was an American statesman, military officer, journalist, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was active in the nation’s early years, took part in the Constitutional Convention, and later served as the first U.S. secretary of the treasury.

Hamilton’s writing and public work are closely tied to constitutional government and economic policy. His ideas center on a stronger federal government, a firm executive branch, a national bank, support for manufacturing, and a more structured financial system. He is especially known for his role in The Federalist, a set of essays written to explain and defend the Constitution to the American public.

A good place to start is Federalist No. 84, which gives a clear sense of his political thinking, and then The Farmer Refuted. He is a strong fit for readers interested in the U.S. founding period, constitutional arguments, and political writing that is practical and idea-driven.