In 1787, as the Founders gathered in Philadelphia to draft the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton wrote in 'Federalist No. 1' that there was more at stake than the future of a single country. The American experiment would 'decide the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.' The Founders were hopeful, in part because the information environment of the late 18th century was favorable to 'reflection and choice.' A flourishing newspaper industry kept Americans informed and fostered vigorous debate. But the number of publications was limited'about 100 total in the 13 states'and the authority of editors and writers meant that a free press didn't turn into a free-for-all. And at a time when nothing traveled faster than a horse or ship, the sheer size of the new country meant that news spread slowly,...
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