Synthesized answer
In Federalist No. 1, Hamilton argues that the decision facing New York citizens in 1787 is not merely local but has universal significance. He states that it has been “reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to 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” [4]. This frames the choice as a test for all of humanity.
Hamilton then directly links this to philanthropy by saying that “a wrong election of the part we shall act, may, in this view, deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind. This idea will add the inducements of philanthropy to those of patriotism to heighten the solicitude, which all considerate and good men must feel for the event” [1]. Thus, he appeals to a universal concern for humanity’s welfare by suggesting that a failure to adopt the new Constitution would be a global setback, making the New Yorkers’ decision a pivotal moment for the future of self-government everywhere. The passages do not elaborate further on how…
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on and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force. If there be any truth in the remark, the crisis, at which we are arrived, may with propriety be regarded as the æra in which that decision is to be made; and a wrong election of the part we shall act, may, in this view, deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind. This idea will add the inducements of philanthropy to those of patriotism to heighten the solicitude , which all considerate and good men must feel for the event. Happy will it be if our choice…
er of the utmost moment to your welfare by any impressions other than those which may result from the evidence of truth. You will, no doubt, at the same time, have collected from the general scope of them that they proceed from a source not unfriendly to the new Constitution. Yes, my Countrymen, I own to you, that, after having given it an attentive consideration, I am clearly of opinion, it is your interest to adopt it. I am convinced, that this is the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness. I affect not reserves, which I do not feel. I will not amuse you with an…
all, and may be judged of by all. They shall at least be offered in a spirit which will not disgrace the cause of truth. I propose, in a series of papers, to discuss the following interesting particulars.— The utility of the UNION to your political prosperity — The insufficiency of the present Confederation to preserve that Union — The necessity of a Government at least equally energetic with the one proposed, to the attainment of this object — The conformity of the proposed Constitution to the true principles of republican Government — Its analogy to your own state constitution —and lastly,…
← The Fœderalist (Dawson edition) Fœderalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton Fœderalist No. 2 → This is a selection from a particular edition of The Federalist . To navigate through all available editions, please use the table of contents . 3564 The Fœderalist (Dawson edition) — Fœderalist No. 1 Alexander Hamilton To the People of the State of New York : A FTER an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting Fœderal Government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America . The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its…
love, and that the noble enthusiasm of liberty is too apt to be infected with a spirit of narrow and illiberal distrust. On the other hand, it will be equally forgotten, that the vigor of Government is essential to the security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people, than under the forbidding appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of Government. History will teach us, that the former has been…
More questions about this book
- "The text refers to the 'inefficacy of the subsisting Fœderal Government.' Without using any technical jargon, how would you explain to a peer what fundamental problems Hamilton suggests the proposed Constitution aims to fix?"
- "Hamilton claims the decision on the new Constitution will determine if societies can establish good government 'from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend... on accident and force.' Explain the profound philosophical question he poses here and why he views this moment as so critical for all of mankind."
- "Consider the opening paragraph's dramatic tone, using phrases like 'existence of the UNION' and 'fate of an empire.' What effect does Hamilton intend this language to have on the 'People of the State of New York,' and how does it set the stage for the essays that follow?"
- "The text notes that different editions of The Federalist have varying essay numbers but that Dawson's edition is 'recognized for its faithfulness to the original text.' Why might such seemingly minor details about a document's publication history be crucial for deeply understanding its original intent and impact?"