Synthesized answer
In Federalist No. 1, Hamilton poses the profound philosophical question of “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” [2]. This question challenges whether human beings can deliberately design a just and effective government through reason and deliberate decision, or whether they are doomed to have their political systems shaped by chance events or coercion.
Hamilton views this moment as critical for all mankind because he believes the American decision on the new Constitution will determine the answer to this question for the entire world. He states that “the crisis, at which we are arrived, may with propriety be regarded as the æra in which that decision is to be made,” and warns that “a wrong election of the part we shall act, may, in this view, deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind” [1]. Thus, the success or failure of the American experiment will either prove that self-government through reason is possible or confirm that humanity must rely on “accident and force” [1][2].
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From the book
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…
← 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…
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,…
iety of objects foreign to its merits, and of views, passions and prejudices little favorable to the discovery of truth. Among the most formidable of the obstacles which the new Constitution will have to encounter, may readily be distinguished the obvious interest of a certain class of men in every State to resist all changes which may hazard a diminution of the power, emolument and consequence of the offices they hold under the State-establishments—and the perverted ambition of another class of men, who will either hope to aggrandize themselves by the confusions of their country, or will…
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?"
- "Beyond patriotism, Hamilton appeals to 'philanthropy' as an inducement for supporting the new Constitution. How does he link the specific political decision facing New York citizens in 1787 to a universal concern for humanity's welfare?"
- "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?"