how did hamilton, jefferson and madison out-politic and out-maneuver thier rivals?

Jefferson offered to host a dinner for Hamilton and Madison, in the hopes that wine and “gentlemanly conversation” would help resolve their disagreements. He held the dinner on June 20, 1790, in his new home on Maiden Lane in New York City. He recounts how he led the politicians to reach an agreement, by convincing Madison not to dissuade his party members from supporting the financial plan, even if he himself would not vote for it. In return, Hamilton agreed to use his influence to locate the new national capital on the Potomac River, a location that favored the Southern states which Madison represented. Ellis notes that Jefferson's account of the dinner is the only extant one.

Both the Assumption Bill and the Residence Bill passed the House of Representatives soon afterwards, with almost identical results of 34-28 and 32-29. Newspaper reporters from New York to Philadelphia were convinced that a secret deal had taken place. Soon after the dinner, Jefferson wrote to James Monroe, his associate from Virginia, admitting that he personally found the idea of assumption despicable, but nevertheless feared the risk of legislative deadlock so early in the nation's existence. He knew compromise between the states and federal government would prove necessary if the nation was to survive. In fact, the letter reveals his fear that the infant nation was fledgling. He also argues in his letter that both bills suited his and Monroe's cause

Monroe's reply warned that such “behind closed door dealings” would tarnish future political proceedings. Two years later, Jefferson had come to agree with Monroe; he confessed to Washington that the “dinner deal” was the worst mistake of his political life. He by then believed that Hamilton had manipulated him by stoking his fears of national collapse.

Ellis then considers why Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison were so afraid that the newly installed government might fail. To determine the answer, he examines each man's history.

At the time of the dinner, the 39 year-old James Madison enjoyed the distinguished reputation as the “Father of the Constitution.” He had co-written the Federalist Papers with Hamilton and John Jay. He also drafted the Bill of Rights in 1790, and had helped navigate early political battles through his role as Senator. Although sickly and diminutive in appearance, Madison used honest and direct rhetoric to out-maneuver more ostentatious opponents.