Category — Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton was often accused of being an advocate of a monarchical system of government. His political enemies saw his arguments in favor of a strong federal government and his efforts to strengthen the presidency as indications of his disposition to institute a monarchy in America. He was not deaf to such accusations. In this letter to Timothy Pickering, he explains his views. The last paragraph, is perhaps the most interesting.

In this Federalist Hamilton makes several arguments for the consolidation of the nation’s defense under the control of the federal government, rather than under those of the States. The crux of this essay is an effort to show that the argument against a standing army is not only a straw man, but that being ill-prepared is irrational and dangerous.

In this Federalist, Hamilton pillories those who criticize the Constitution because it does not possess sufficient safeguards against maintaining a standing army. Hamilton first attempts to show that this argument is specious, because this is not something that had been enough of a problem to even warrant a mention, in any of the state constitutions or the Articles of Confederation. This done, he points out the necessity of maintaining frontier garrisons against the insults and depredations of the British and Spanish, as well as for protection from the Indians; and coastal installations to protect dockyards, while the country is getting its new navy launched.

The Enlightenment concepts of first principles and natural rights were important to the Founders. They served as the basis for the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and many other founding documents.

It is a huge assumption that the government will never claim responsibilities only tenuously related to its enumerated powers. The federal government has embraced countless responsibilities never intended by the Framers. In this, those responsible for its extension, have followed Hamilton almost to the letter. In the context of the times, persuading the states to ratify and accord the federal government the authority it needed to pay its debts and keep the states from squabbling was crucial. In the context of our time, his arguments seem dangerously broad.

In Federalist 23, Hamilton turns his focus to the extent of the power to be delegated to the federal government by the new Constitution. He points out that the federal government is the obvious place for “NATIONAL INTERESTS” to be looked after. He argues that the authority wielded by the federal government has to match the responsibility it undertakes and that the Articles of Confederation, provide an excellent example of what happens when they don’t.

In Federalist No. 22, Hamilton continues his arguments about the inadequacies of the government under the Articles of Confederation, explaining its many deficiencies in everything from commerce to a consistent system of laws.

A letter in which Alexander Hamilton recalls some of the events of the Constitutional Convention, and defends himself against charges that he is a monarchist.

In Federalist 21, Hamilton covers three topics. The government under the Articles of Confederation was incapable of enforcing its own laws, neither could it offer any protection to States against usurpation of local power by malignant factions. Finally, advocates of a VAT tax might have a look at this Federalist essay. Hamilton argues that the only way for the Federal government to function is to give it the right to collect taxes directly from the people, largely (but not exclusively) in the form of consumption taxes. It is interesting to note that he does not preclude the collection of property taxes.

Those interested in enlarging their understanding of the Constitution have a unique resource in the Pacificus – Helvidius Debates. Liberty Fund has performed a great service by bringing together, for the first time, all the documents relevant to the Debates in a single, readable volume.