A Beginner’s Guide to the Federalist Society

The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies (often called “FedSoc”) is a major American organization of conservative and libertarian lawyers, judges, law students, and scholars. Founded in 1982 by law students at Yale, Harvard, and the University of Chicago, it started as a way to challenge what its founders saw as dominant liberal ideas in law schools.Key Principles (straight from their mission):

• The government exists to preserve individual freedom.
• Separation of powers is central to the U.S. Constitution.
• Judges should interpret the law as written (textualism and originalism), not make new policy (“say what the law is, not what it should be”).

It’s not a lobbying group or political party — it claims to be non-partisan and focuses on open debate. They host events, panels, and speeches with speakers from all sides (though most align conservative/libertarian).Structure:

• Student chapters: Over 200 at law schools across the U.S.
• Lawyers chapters: In major cities.
• Faculty division and national events.

Influence:

• Huge impact on the judiciary. Many federal judges (including 6 current Supreme Court Justices with ties) are members or recommended by the group.
• Helped shape conservative legal thinking on issues like gun rights, free speech, abortion, and regulation.
• Often called the “conservative pipeline” to the courts.

Critics say it’s too partisan and has shifted the courts rightward. Supporters say it promotes intellectual diversity and constitutional fidelity.The James Madison ConnectionThe society’s logo is a silhouette of James Madison (4th U.S. President, “Father of the Constitution,” co-author of The Federalist Papers). They see themselves as heirs to Madison’s ideas on limited government and checks and balances.

• They have a James Madison Club — a donor group for major supporters.
• Some student chapters win the “James Madison Chapter of the Year” award.

There is no separate major organization called the “Madison Society” directly paired with the Federalist Society. “Madison Society” refers to various unrelated groups (e.g., Second Amendment advocacy, university alumni clubs, or progressive counterparts like the American Constitution Society). The “Federalist and Madison Societies” likely refers to the Federalist Society’s strong ties to James Madison’s legacy.In short: The Federalist Society is the big player in conservative legal circles, proudly Madison-inspired. It’s all about debating ideas to keep government limited and judges neutral.For more: Visit fedsoc.org or read The Federalist Papers for the original inspiration!