Paper23

Backround: The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 articles put together to advocate the ratification of the United States Constitution. It was published under Publius in honor of the Roman consul Publius Valerius Publicola. The authors were Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Each paper serves a different objective to improving the safety and welfare of the union. Some important themes found in this document are federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, and representation in Congress. Federalists and anti-federalists argued over the effect a strong central government would have on its citizens. Summary: Federalist paper number 23 was written by Alexander Hamilton and published on December 18th, 1787. It argued that in order for the newly formed nation to thrive, a strong federal government needed to be created. The title of the paper is,“T he Necessity of a Government as Energetic as the One Proposed to the Preservation of the Union." Throughout this strongly worded document, he analyzed why a strong government would be extremely beneficial.   Main purpose:   This paper argues that America hungered for a stronger federal government. He believed that the formation of a Union was a necessity for many reasons. The main purposes of creating a Union was for the common defense of the members, the preservation of public peace, the regulation of commerce, and the conducting of foreign affairs. Since America just annexed its freedom from British rule, many were scared of a too-powerful government . They felt it would take away citizens rights. Hamilton tried to diminish these fears of strong governments and assured it would not be abusive as the one under Great Britain. The authorities essential jobs for the common defense were to raise armies, to build and equip fleets, to prescribe rules for the government of both, to direct their operations and to provide for their support. It is necessary that these powers exist without limitation because the circumstances that endanger the safety of nations are infinite. Under the Confederation the States have an unlimited discretion to make requisitions of men and money; to govern the army and navy; to direct their operations. The nation can no longer legislate through the states. In regarding to public defense Hamilton wanted Americans to “confide to a government the most essential to our national interests, without daring to trust its authorities.” Simply meaning he wanted a government that would do what’s best for the nation as a whole. Federalists believed that a weak government would cause: disorder, an undue distribution of burdens and calamities of war. They instead wanted to embrace rational outcomes that would benefit us greatly such as having a strong federal government. If the body felt that the public safety was being threatened the representatives for the whole nation would do its best to protect every part. This is much different then the system under the Confederation which left each state to fend for their self. Another major reason for change was the size of the empire. After acquiring so much land, America became very large and was in need of a system that would preserve it. The existing Confederation was proven to be frail. Some changes in government that were to be granted to the Union were: aptitude to levy troops, build equip troops and equip fleets, and power to raise revenues which will be required for the formation and support of an army and navy. Under the Confederation the States have an unlimited discretion to make requisitions of men and money; to govern the army and navy; to direct their operations. The nation can no longer legislate through the states. Strongest arguments: The strongest arguments of this document were the common defense of the people and the preservation of peace. If the government is not given the power to form armies and navy’s Americans would be put in great danger. “Unless the contrary of this position can be fairly and rationally disputed, it must be admitted, as a necessary consequence, that there can be no limitation of that authority which is to provide for the defense and protection of the community, in any matter essential to its efficacy that is, in any matter essential to the FORMATION, DIRECTION, or SUPPORT of the NATIONAL FORCE” This quotation means that unless argued otherwise the government needs to maintain substantial power to provide for the defense and protection of the nation. However, under the Articles of Condeferation the federal government had to requisition supplies and troops from the states. This was in need of change. Hamilton argued that the preservation of peace will be improved under a strong single government. He asks questions such as, “ Can alone establish uniformity and concert in the plans and measures by which the common safety is to be secured?” Under the confederation states maintain try to maintain their own peace within their state rather then them all co-operating to maintain peace with each other. The only results of individual governments are chaos and revolution that the nation just experienced. Opposing Arguments: Anti-federalists such as Thomas Jeffferson believed that no the amount of governmental power would prevent people from rebelling. He even implied that if a rebellion does occur, it will bring little to no harm. Jefferson wrote a letter to James Madison one of the authors of the Papers, expressing a counterargument of the Paper. He said, “ The principle purpose of the Union was the common defense of members. In order to create a common defense an army needed to be raised, fleets needed to be built, and rules needed to be created to regulate both. These powers were to exist without limitation for the security of the people. If people argue that these powers should not be given to the federal government, Hamilton believed they were at fault. "A government, the Constitution of which renders it unfit to be trusted with all the powers, which a free people ought to delegate to any government, would be an unsafe and improper depository of the national interests.” He concluded that it needed to be adjusted.   Validity of arguments:   Both sides have valid points in this argument. Jefferson, representing anti-federalists, point is people will dislike and rebel against all governments. In another words, no government will prevent rebellion. He also believed that the federalists had overstated the current problems in the country. Hamilton representing Federalists, argued that a strong government that directly addresses all problems would prevent citizens from rebellion. Hamilton’s paper brought up many considerable points such as the common defense and the preservation of peace. Under a single government it would be much easier to maintain a stable army and navy that could defend the nation as a whole. Currently the federal government had to go to states to seek troops. It would also control inner and outer state commerce making trade a lot easier. This will allow trade with foreign nations and boost our economy. It is definitely more logical to have one government controlling all states rather then a bunch of small. However, completely changing a government in a newly formed nation could be extremely risky. Both sides of the arguments have true valid points. Application of Paper in today’s world: In current times, America still battles with the large amount of power given to central government. Obama has been lowering taxes and practically giving Americans money. This has been very helpful but it has left Americans dependent on the federal government. "Voters aren't outraged over Obama high taxes, and aren't longing for Reagan's low taxes. In reality, taxes now are much lower than under Reagan, and Obama just lowered taxes for 95 percent of American taxpayers." The only increase in taxes are on cigarettes, whose impact falls heaviest on lower-income folks and violates a campaign pledge Obama made. Obama is planning on creating new taxes on energy at the pump and as it comes into the home, on many small businesses with 20 or more employees, and on seniors who depend on dividends as part of their retirement income. This has brought great opposition of middle aged Americans that are worried for their future. Obamas new taxes is one effect a strong central government has on citizens.