In a study that combines an in-depth examination of Madison's National Gazette essays of 1791-2 with a study of The Federalist, Colleen Sheehan traces the evolution of Madison's conception of the politics of communication and public opinion throughout the Founding period, demonstrating how 'the sovereign public' would form and rule in America.

Sheehan argues that Madison's vision for the new nation was informed by the idea of republican self-government.